Welcoming LUCHA's New Co-Executive Director, Rosa Y. Ortiz!

LUCHA is entering an exciting new chapter! As we build on our long history of community-rooted work, we are looking ahead to new opportunities to strengthen neighborhoods, expand housing stability, and build a more equitable Chicago.



With this vision in mind, we are thrilled to welcome Rosa Y. Ortiz, AICP, LEED AP, MUPP, as LUCHA’s new Co-Executive Director. Bringing more than 25 years of experience in urban planning, architecture, real estate development, housing, and community engagement, Rosa is well-positioned to guide LUCHA into this exciting next chapter.

"Rosa is a highly-collaborative leader with a strong track record of projects deeply rooted in community. We are thrilled to welcome her to LUCHA." -Lillian Bui, Co-Executive Director of LUCHA

Born in Mexico City and a Chicago resident for more than 40 years, Rosa brings a bilingual and bicultural perspective to her work, along with a deep appreciation for the histories, identities, and assets that make Chicago’s neighborhoods unique.

Trained as both an architect and urban planner, she has built her career around creating more equitable, connected communities and strengthening the cultural, historic, and social fabric of neighborhoods.

As the Founder and Principal of 3e.Studio, Rosa has led complex, community-centered initiatives engaging thousands of residents and has developed three neighborhood-wide Quality of Life Plans focused on issues including affordable housing, environmental sustainability, public safety, arts and education, parks, and economic development.

She is a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Chicago Transit Authority, where she works to advance initiatives connecting transit, jobs, and housing across Chicago and the region; and was recently appointed to new board positions with PACE and NITA.

Rosa’s career has also included senior leadership roles with the City of Chicago Department of Housing, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and the Hispanic Housing Development Corporation.

As Rosa joins LUCHA’s leadership team, we are excited for the next chapter and grateful to everyone who continues to make our work possible. ■