Illinois State University’s School of Social Work and Latin American and Latino/a Studies Program are teaming up with the McLean County Child Protection Network to bring an inspirational speaker to the Twin Cities for Latino Heritage Month.
Juan Ortiz will present Being a Successful Latino Male in Business at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 27, in the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center. The event, which is part of the Speaker Series at Illinois State University, is free and open to the public.
Coming from humble beginnings, Ortiz rose to his current role of executive vice president of business development for BluePay Processing, based out of Naperville. He manages more than 120 sales agents nationwide for the $5 billion processing company, and serves as part of the company’s acquisition team.
As a child, Ortiz faced his father’s verbal and physical abuse, fueled by drugs and alcohol. As the eldest of six children, he became a support for his mother and a father figure to his siblings. He trained as a youth pastor, and worked with high school students for years before entering the business world. He has volunteered with youth groups for more than two decades, and continues to work with the Wheaton Family Shelter, speaking about domestic violence.
Recognizing the need for positive role models, Ortiz began speaking professionally in hopes of inspiring a younger generation. Through humor, honesty and passion, Ortiz now tours the country, demonstrating how attitudes, clear-cut goals and positive role models all play an important part in creating a new vision for the future in both a personal and professional life.
The event is sponsored by the McLean County Child Protection Network, Illinois State University School of Social Work and Latin American and Latino/a Studies Program, the Sage Foundation Fund and the Social Work Club at Illinois State.
For additional information about Ortiz’s visit, contact Diane Zosky of the School of Social Work at (309) 438-3631.
The Speaker Series of Illinois State University seeks to bring innovative and enlightening speakers to the campus with the aim providing the community a platform to foster dialog, cultivate enriching ideas, and continue an appreciation of learning as an active and lifelong process. Find out more online.
