Meet the board
Executive Director - Jessica Ortiz
Executive Director & Founder Jessica has been helping the community since she was a young child.
She has held numerous leadership positions both locally and nationally. Jessica was the Allentown Human Relations President. She has severed on and establish several non-profits in the community that service community needs.
She serves on the Government Affairs Board both locally and nationally. She created laws and policy for the citizens. She is an influencer. Jessica's non-profit career officially started 2012 when she saw a need in her local community. She decided to take her knowledge and skills and help strengthen others before establishing her own.
That career move lead her to the The Ortiz Ark Foundation where her and her family could continue to do their families life work on a larger scale. Jessica is an enthusiast and very passionate. She loves being a mother, wife, cooking, drawing & writing. She is also a published author since the age of 15. Ortiz holds many titles and is executive chef, certified in Public Relations, Certified Transformational Leadership, Licensed Realtor & Minister.
She is a true Allentonian and loves her city.
President - Shionna Spence
Shionna was born in Jamaica and moved to the U.S at a young age. She is a proud mother to a wonderful son. Every one of us has a story to tell; it either breaks us or makes us stronger. However, experience hardship pushes encourage the fight, passion, and guidance from God to help others.
“We have to help each other does not matter how small it is, that support does bring a smile to the heart.”
Mission to continue helping the community builds and have amazing leaders/business owners and role models from the Lehigh Valley.
“For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” Deuteronomy 15:11
Vice President& Crises Director Jeani Garcia
Jeani Garcia is a Community leader & Social Activist with over 7 years of helping her community. After having lost her precious son Kareem to gun violence in 2012 , Jeani has dedicated her life to helping teenagers & young adults transition out of gangs & connect them with people who love them & resources to support them.
She has also started the support group Mother 2 Mother, She has been at the side of mothers and families who have also lost their loved ones to gun violence.
Jeani is instrumental in creating a safe place for herself and fellow grieving mothers on the journey of grieving & healing as well as processing their collective hurt and sadness.
Outside of working with mothers, teenagers & young adults, Jeani is very active in supporting individuals that are in desperate need of housing, safety, food & other necessities to sustain quality of life. Jeani is vocal in the community & a respected leader who promotes change, unity & peace for everyone.
Treasurer & Director of Foreign Relations -Trevia Nunez
Secretary - Vacant
Vacant Position
Board Member & Director of International Affairs Robert Nunez
Board Member - Vacant
Vacant Position
Board Member - Vacant
Vacant Position