Betty Paugh Ortiz

Vice President of Programs

In her role as Vice President of Programs, Betty oversees programs and services with a focus on continually enhancing NCCEP’s offerings and developing new programs that allow GEAR UP communities to better serve their students and families. 

From 2004 to 2009 Betty served as Vice President at NCCEP.  Although she left NCCEP for a period of time, she never really left the GEAR UP family, having consulted and provided capacity building services to a number of GEAR UP sites through the years.  In addition, from 2010 to 2012 Betty served as Senior Vice President of Innovation at the National Education Association (NEA) Foundation where she further strengthened her management, partnership development, and leadership skills in service of educational improvements for young people.  She also managed a global education program in partnership with the Pearson Foundation and Education First, involving teacher programs abroad, professional development workshops, and knowledge dissemination.

Her professional background includes having served as the Director for the University of Puerto Rico-DC Initiative, Assistant Director for the Center for Latino Research at DePaul University, and Director of Maternal and Child Health at the National Council of La Raza. 

Originally from Ceiba, Puerto Rico, Betty holds a master’s Degree in International Public Service Management from DePaul University.  Paugh Ortiz graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from American University.

(202) 530-1135 x 2106