LANCASTER, CA — Ricardo Ortega, a former foster youth, first-generation college graduate, nonprofit executive

and longtime youth advocate, is running for the Antelope Valley Community College District Board of Trustees, Area

2, in the November 3, 2026 General Election. His campaign is focused on improving student success, expanding

workforce pathways, supporting student basic needs and ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds.

“Education changed the trajectory of my life, and I believe every student at Antelope Valley College deserves that

same opportunity,” said Ortega. “Students deserve more than access to college. They deserve the support to start,

persist, graduate, transfer and succeed.”

Ortega became a homeowner at 21 after navigating foster care and housing insecurity. He says those experiences

inform his commitment to making college more accessible for students balancing financial, family and academic

challenges

Experience Rooted in Youth Advocacy and Public Service

Ortega serves as Transitional Age Youth Program Manager at NAMI Greater Los Angeles County and as CEO of

Pax Imperium. He previously served as Statewide Policy and Legislative Manager at California Youth Connection

and as an inaugural Los Angeles County Youth Commissioner. His public service has also included the California

Youth Connection Board of Directors and the Huntington Park Civil Service Commission.

“My approach is to bring students, faculty, staff and community partners into the decision-making process,” Ortega

said. “Our college should be a place where people feel heard and where every dollar supports a stronger educational

future.”

Priorities for Antelope Valley College

Student success: Improve access to courses, tutoring, counseling and clear pathways to graduation, transfer and

certificates.

Careers and local jobs: Expand partnerships with apprenticeships, unions, aerospace employers, healthcare

providers and local businesses.

Housing and basic needs: Explore responsible student-housing options and better support students facing

transportation, food and financial insecurity.

Campus wellness and safety: Strengthen mental-health support, student services and safe learning environments.

Transparency and accountability: Advance clear budgeting, responsible use of taxpayer funds and regular

dialogue with faculty, students and community stakeholders.

Broad Community and Labor Support

Ortega has announced endorsements from Congressman George Whitesides, Congresswoman Laura Friedman,

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Assemblymembers Juan Carrillo, Jacqui Irwin, Robert Garcia, Rick Zbur and

Pilar Schiavo, and State Senator Maria Elena Durazo. Labor and public-safety supporters include ALADS, IAFF

Local 1014, SEIU-UHW, LIUNA Local 300, UA Local 250 and UA Local 709.

“Antelope Valley College should be an engine of opportunity for our region,” Ortega said. “Whether students are

preparing for university, an apprenticeship, a healthcare career or a job in aerospace, they deserve a clear pathway

forward.”

About Ricardo Ortega

Ricardo Ortega is a former foster youth, first-generation college graduate, nonprofit executive and public servant with

experience in legislative advocacy, youth leadership and community development. He is a candidate for Antelope

Valley Community College District Board of Trustees, Area 2