How can I help?
I can help students with graduate school applications, finding and applying for scholarships, navigating life after UCSB, and exploring career options and pathways. I can help students with time management strategies and navigation of their academic programs.
About Me:
Myrtha Ortiz Villar (she/they) is a queer, first-generation Latinx person. The myth holds a BA in Geography from UC Berkeley, and a Master’s in Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship from Harvard University. Coming from a mixed-status and low-income family, Myrtha spent most of her undergraduate career as a youth organizer for immigrant rights policies in the state of CA. Before working at UCSB, Myrtha served as a College Adviser with UC Berkeley’s Center for Educational Partnerships and as a Program Manager of Student Support at the Cal Alumni Association. In both roles, she has supported immigrant students and families in making informed college and career decisions. Myrtha believes that attaining higher education can become a factor for families’ access to social mobility. In addition to being a student, Myrtha is also a career coach, supporting young professionals in navigating everything and anything between first jobs, debt and money, and study strategies for school.
Where are you and/or your family from?
Myrtha’s family is from Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX and now reside in Los Angeles. Myrtha was born and raised in Los Angeles but calls the San Francisco Bay Area home now.
What words of wisdom do you have for undocumented students?
Regardless of your status, you are worthy of having the experiences you want to have to advance your academic and career goals. Lean on staff who are paid to advocate for you and learn to navigate the spaces you occupy with a team of support!
What is one thing off your bucket list?
Being the first to have a Master’s degree in my family was on my bucket list for a long time and I am happy to have accomplished this with the support of many mentors and community members.