Yaritza Ortiz is a dedicated educator, innovator, entrepreneur, and real estate consultant with a fervent commitment to empowering students through inventive thinking and practical applications of STEM. She earned her Master of Science in Organizational Development, Learning, and Technology from Texas A&M University-Commerce and serves as the founder and president of 4wardInnovation, a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting creativity, problem-solving, and intellectual property education.
At THEO, Yaritza teaches Biology, From Inventor to Entrepreneur, and Integrated Physics and Chemistry. She integrates her extensive experience in innovation and entrepreneurship into her curriculum, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles and their real-world applications. As a Master Teacher of Invention and Intellectual Property Education, Yaritza collaborates with NASA HUNCH, the USPTO, and the InventEd community to enhance STEM education and inspire the next generation of inventors.
In addition to her educational endeavors, Yaritza is a proficient real estate consultant, recognized for her negotiation skills and problem-solving abilities. She applies her entrepreneurial acumen to assist clients in achieving their objectives, demonstrating her versatile expertise and dedication to making a positive impact across various sectors.
Guided by her Christian faith, Yaritza strives to live her best life while serving others, embodying the principles outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. She views her work as a means to uplift and empower communities, instilling values of integrity, perseverance, and purpose in her students and clients alike.
Yaritza has been honored with accolades such as Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Month, and the CTE Career Catalyst Award. She seamlessly blends her educational and professional experiences to inspire others, proudly embracing her Puerto Rican heritage as a fundamental aspect of her identity and approach to innovation.