My name is Zuleyka Ortega, though everyone calls me Zuly. I am 30 years old and live in New Jersey, but my roots are in Puerto Rico, where I was raised in a humble, hardworking family. My father was a city maintenance worker and my mother a housekeeper, and from them I inherited the values of sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication.

In 2002, my life was forever changed when my father was tragically killed. Two years later, my mother and I moved to New Jersey, where we lived with my aunt and her children until my mother found work. Adjusting to a new country, language, and culture was incredibly challenging, but those struggles built the resilience that has guided me ever since.

At sixteen, I became a teen mother to my daughter, Sherlyn. Though I feared disappointing my family, my mother’s support gave me strength, and I promised that motherhood would not stop me from continuing my education. I graduated from high school and enrolled in community college, with the intention of pursuing a career in healthcare. Soon after, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, which forced her into early retirement. Facing those circumstances, I chose to complete a medical assistant program so I could start working immediately and support my family.

Over the years, I have gained valuable experience working as a medical assistant in internal medicine, pediatrics, and dermatology. I then decided to continue my education, so I enrolled at Montclair State University, where I obtained a bachelor's degree in biology. Recently, I was laid off from my most recent job, but I see this as an opportunity to dedicate more time to volunteering. With the free time I now have, I want to give back to my community and serve others in meaningful ways while continuing to prepare for the next step in my career journey.

During my free time, I balance family and personal life. I stay actively involved in my daughter’s activities, help my family whenever needed, and recharge by playing video games, taking mindful walks, or spending time with my dog Rex.