BIO

Olivia Ortiz —-AMERICAN, Born in San Antonio, Texas 1984

Artist, humanitarian, and educator Olivia Ortiz has dedicated herself to the development and enrichment of her community. Heavily influenced by the community leadership of her grandmother and growing up in San Antonio, Olivia began her professional career as an educator, teaching English and Special Education.

During her nine years in the classroom, she began to see the needs not only of her students, but of the larger San Antonio community. Social justice, accurate representation and speaking authentically to the Latinx community became the driving forces behind her work. In 2009, she met fellow teacher Cruz Ortiz. Married in 2012, they began what has become a decade of collaboration — so far.

The couple founded Snake Hawk Press in response to demand from those seeking commercial versions of his work. Olivia began working on individual projects for Snake Hawk Press, continuing to take on responsibility until she ultimately served as CEO, while also serving as COO to Cruz Ortiz Art. Cruz Ortiz Art is the company her husband operates for his contemporary art works. In addition to keeping the businesses running, Olivia spearheaded many individual artistic projects.

Olivia serves as CEO of the couple’s latest collaboration, Burnt Nopal, which offers a full range of services around branding, design and experiences. As with Snake Hawk Press, this latest venture stems in part from commercial demand — companies and nonprofits seeking to create authentic branding, marketing and experiences. Keeping social justice at the core of their work, Burnt Nopal keeps focus on community and progressive values. In 2019, the couple were honored with the Texas Civil Rights Project Rising Leader Award at the Bill of Rights Dinner.

As part of her community work, Olivia served as a proud board member of Eva’s Heroes, a non-profit founded by Eva Longoria dedicated to enriching the lives of those with special needs, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Any Baby Can. She currently serves on the state appointed Bexar County Child Welfare Commission and Planned Parenthood South Texas.