Joceline Ortiz Permanently Takes Lead as CEO of PRAC
Photo courtesy of Joceline Ortiz
AC JosepH Media
PENNS GROVE – The Puerto Rican Action Committee of Southern New Jersey has named Joceline Ortiz as its permanent chief executive officer recently, becoming the first Latina to lead the organization fulltime.
Ortiz had been serving as interim CEO since April 13 and before that she worked as the director of PRAC’s Hispanic Women’s Resource Center and chief operations officer. She started her work with PRAC more than 11 years ago as a part-time caseworker.
“I started at PRAC wanting to help people, and that is still what drives me today,” Ortiz said, who was selected to Front Runner New Jersey.com’s 30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders of South Jersey in 2023. “Working directly with families taught me the importance of listening, following through and making sure people feel supported.”
Throughout her career, Ortiz has helped connect women and families with resources, education and opportunities. Her work has included job readiness, English-language and computer classes, helping uninsured women access mammograms, and coordinating breast cancer awareness efforts and community walks.
“Joceline’s growth within PRAC reflects her dedication to our mission and the communities we serve,” said Steve Torres, president of PRAC’s Board of Directors. “Her firsthand experience with our programs and her commitment to our families position her to lead the organization forward.”
A bilingual leader of Puerto Rican heritage, Ortiz said she values the role of cultural understanding and trust in helping people access services. As CEO, her priorities include supporting staff, strengthening community partnerships and advancing PRAC’s work throughout Cumberland, Atlantic, Salem and Cape May counties.
Outside of PRAC, Ortiz is a certified personal trainer who helps others build strength and confidence. Her longstanding passion for encouraging and empowering people carries into both roles, supporting others as they recognize their potential and work toward their goals.
Ortiz said she credits her faith, family and mentors with helping shape her leadership. As PRAC celebrates its 55th anniversary, she is focused on honoring the organization’s history while preparing for its next chapter.
“From part-time caseworker to CEO, my title has changed, but my heart for this work remains the same,” Ortiz said. “I’m honored to help carry PRAC’s mission forward alongside our staff, board and community partners.”
Note from AC JosepH Media: If you like this story and others posted on Front Runner New Jersey.com, lend us a hand so we can keep producing articles like these for New Jersey and the world to see. Click on SUPPORT FRNJ and make a contribution that will go directly in making more stories like this available. You can reach Editor Clyde Hughes at chughes@acjosephmedia.com. Thank you for reading!
About Author
