Zayra Ortiz-Medrano was born in Tucson, Arizona, and spent her formative years in Fronteras, Sonora, Mexico, a region situated approximately 45 minutes from the southern border. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Social Justice and a minor in Spanish from the University of Arizona, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Prior to her tenure at Amistades, Zayra accumulated five years of experience in the field of education, serving the Tucson community through her roles at the University of Arizona, Chicanos por la Causa Community Schools, and the Sunnyside Unified School District. During her career as an educator, she advocated for the implementation of restorative justice practices within schools and found fulfillment in supporting students' personal growth and providing them with the resources necessary to achieve their potential.
Zayra has been actively involved in various organizations, including M.E.Ch.A. (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan), and the Nahui Ollin Wellness Program where she completed an internship. Her extensive experience working with Latino and Native American communities in Tucson, coupled with her personal experiences, has reinforced her belief in the healing benefits of cultural engagement.
At Amistades, Zayra’s primary focus is on the Mayahuel Prevention Consortium, which is dedicated to preventing and reducing substance misuse and addressing potential challenges by strengthening prevention capacities and infrastructures at both community and state levels. Her efforts are directed towards combating issues related to alcohol and underage drinking, as well as marijuana and opioid misuse among Latino youth and adults, employing evidence-based strategies and community-defined best practices.