Author: Stephanie Ortez

Stephanie is a highly caffeinated mother of two wonderful boys. She is hopelessly addicted to non-fiction books and literature that moves her to tears. She is an admissions advisor for George Washington University online where she assists homeschooled students internationally. Stephanie lives with Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. She is a passionate mental health advocate, member of Stigma Fighters. Her writing has been featured on The Elephant Journal, The Mighty, The Organic Coffee Haphazardly and Feminine Collective.

Being True to Myself the Artistic Way

Stephanie Ortez

For as long as I can remember I always felt compelled to unleash my talents to the world. My Grandmother nurtured my artistic talents by being both my adviser and biggest fan. She would collect fashion magazines and teach me how to braid my hair. She and I were so Read more

January Flashback: Latina Entrepreneurs – We are Ready to be Heard

Stephanie Ortez

You have probably seen them before: Latina professionals depicted as sexy vixens on TV, wearing miniskirts or tight dresses; the sassy secretary with a naive style; the nightmare boss’s wife. Although the Hispanic community has become the largest minority group in the US, Latinas, in particular, have to fight against Read more

Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Latino Way

Stephanie Ortez

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Every year I devote tremendous time and currency (both monetary and emotional) to the planning and preparation of the ultimate holiday gala. With so much festivity comes a great many stressful decisions. Like many, I overspend on gifts; I overstress about food, Read more

The Cult That Is Religion

Stephanie Ortez

There was a time in my life when I would rise with the sun every morning to usher in the new day. The flawless serenity of the new day’s light channeled the physical energy and spiritual fortitude I would need to meet every challenge and seize every chance to make Read more

Tangled Up In My Hair

Stephanie Ortez

Almost all of us have a part of our body we truly despise. I could tell you I hate my chubby rolls or my big booming breasts. But most of all, I have an ugly-affair with my hair! It all started 19 years ago. My mom took my sister and Read more

Halloween: Tempting God’s Wrath by Playing with the Devil

Stephanie Ortez

Remember that song from the Pet Shop Boys, “It’s a Sin”? Everything I’ve ever done Everything I ever do Every place I’ve ever been Everywhere I’m going to it’s a sin…. This song plays continually in my head as Halloween approaches. On what is supposed to be a day of fun Read more