We recently connected with Hazel Ortega and have shared our conversation below.
Hazel , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I strongly believe in the power of empowerment and self-discovery. Having had the support of others who believed in me, I’ve come to recognize my own potential. This awareness fuels my commitment to contribute to my community, whether locally or while traveling—an approach I refer to as purposeful travel. It’s vital to me that, as entrepreneurs, we not only journey to new places but also actively contribute to the betterment of the communities we visit, striving to make a tangible difference. Equally crucial is dedicating time to nurture my mindfulness and overall well-being. Influential figures like Dr. Joe Dispenza and Dr. Michael Beckwith play a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth, inspiring me to continually evolve and expand as an individual.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As an Educational Psychologist with a focus on Vocational Rehabilitation, my journey began in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Raised in downtown L.A. within a cramped 60-unit apartment, I experienced the challenges of living with limited means as a first-generation Mexican American, supported by my sisters and mother. My parents had separated early on, and my father’s involvement with the judicial system left me navigating life’s obstacles with a sense of fear in my surroundings. Drive-by shootings, gangs, and poverty were all too familiar in my upbringing, shaping my perspective and confining my aspirations.
However, a pivotal moment occurred when I recognized the profound influence of my upbringing on my life’s trajectory. It was then that I grasped the power within me to redefine my narrative.
In 2006, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, starting my first business in my garage. This endeavor led to the creation of SoCal’s largest counseling center for injured workers. Yet, my aspirations reached further, compelling me, two years ago, to extend my impact beyond local boundaries to a global scale. Through my non-profit organization, High Tide Global, I envision uplifting one billion lives by 2032 through education and comprehensive resources.
My efforts span from collaborating with schools and programs in the Los Angeles area to initiatives as distant as Uganda. Here, my focus lies in empowering students by fostering confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
Entrepreneurs’ organizations recognized Hazel’s work and she is the 2023 Global Social Impact Award Recipient.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My personal journey toward self-discovery truly began when I immersed myself in a personal development class. I firmly advocate that everyone should undergo such an experience—it’s an avenue for crafting your unique vision of a better future. Seeking out a mentor, someone you admire within your sphere, is pivotal. Learn from their wisdom, their experiences, and continuously challenge yourself to strive for the next level.
In line with this philosophy, I conduct vision classes where I guide individuals in crafting their own pathways to a brighter future through the power of visualization. These sessions empower people to create and manifest their aspirations for a more fulfilling life.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
With everything going on, it can be easy sometimes to forget how to take care of myself. So whenever I feel I get to a place where I am getting overwhelmed, I make sure to take a moment to myself and I do that by going for a walk on local trails, meditating or spend time with my loved ones. These practices ground me and offer the necessary respite to navigate through the whirlwind of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hazelortega.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazelortega_official/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hazel.o.ortega
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazel-ortega-8b286248/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcFSvZrRtLAZdaysiGvSsJQ
- Other: https://hightideglobal.org/
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