Ortencia Arellano is a mission-driven leader with more than 20 years of experience in program strategy, management, and operations. As Director of Fellowships & Grants at AAUW, she leads initiatives that advance equity, elevate women leaders, and strengthen AAUW’s global impact through fellowships, grants, and community engagement.
Drawing on a background in global philanthropy and international relief/development, Ortencia has cultivated expertise in designing equitable programs, fostering operational excellence, and driving effectiveness. She is also a passionate advocate for conscious leadership, equipping teams to harness emotional intelligence, strategic analysis, and data-driven insights to achieve both organizational and personal growth. A trained DEI facilitator, she has guided initiatives that embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into workplace culture and everyday practice.
Throughout her career, Ortencia has been recognized for her ability to bring people and processes together, build strong partnerships, and position organizations for growth and influence. Her vision is rooted in advancing equity while cultivating workplace cultures that empower people at every level to lead.