Belinda Ortiz is the daughter of Juan & Rosa Ortiz. As an U.S. Air Force “BRAT” (Born Raised and Tortured), Belinda was born in the Torrejon Air Force Base in Spain, her Mother’s native country. Belinda, along with her brother Juan (Junior) and sister Auria grew up in different Air Force bases, with the majority of time being stationed in Spain, close to her Mother’s side of the family. Fifteen years ago Belinda’s father retired from the Air Force, after proudly serving our country for 23 years, and relocated the family one final time to Orlando - which the family now considers their “hometown”.

Although moving every few years was difficult, Belinda feels it made her a stronger person. Having to make new friends every few years wasn’t easy, but it kept her family close, and each experience taught her the skills necessary to live and work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Belinda graduated from Winter Park High School in 1991, and went on to the University of Central Florida where she earned her Bachelors in Public Administration and in Political Science in 1997. While at UCF, Belinda worked full time and went to school full time and still managed to be an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Belinda feels everyone should work while they are in college, not for the financial benefits, but for the time management skills you cultivate.

While working with Commissioner Johnson, Belinda earned her Masters in Public Administration and then transitioned to the Orange County Business Development office where she went on to earn a national “Economic Development Professional” certification. While at Business Development, Belinda monitored county contracts; created jobs by assisting new companies in getting started; offered business consultations; and worked with local media to promote county programs.

In the year 2000, Belinda, ran for the District 2 seat of Orlando City Commission. Belinda earned a number of local endorsements for her extensive understanding of our community and genuine interest in helping people.

In 2003, Belinda ended her tenure with Orange County and went to work for the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) as the Director of Public Policy. CFHLA is the world’s largest regional hotel association, covering Osceola, Orange and Seminole Counties, and representing 117,000 employees. Belinda was responsible for the Association’s governmental affairs, political action committee and public relations. When asked about the job Belinda said “It rocks! I loved working for an industry that gave back to our Central Florida community in so many unique ways.”

Belinda resigned her position with the Hotel Association in January 2008, to focus full time on a bid for Orlando City Commission. Although she was unsuccessful in a run off election (by 42 votes), Belinda earned the endorsements of leading professional and trade organizations, such as the Orlando Professional Firefighters, National Latino Officers Association, CFHLA-PAC, Greater Orlando Realtor’s Association PAC, Home Builders of Metro Orlando PAC, Associated Builders and Contractors PAC, and several others.

After the campaign Belinda began her own company, Zitro of Orlando Inc., a Public Relations and Business Development firm. After the end of the campaign Belinda began to be approached by members of the community encouraging her to consider running for Florida State Senate - District 19. After extensive support and much consideration Belinda decided to seek this position. “Being from a military family, service to country and community has always been an important part of my life. This campaign is a continuation of my track record of community involvement and I would be honored if the residents of Senate District 19 allowed me to serve them as their State Senator.”

Belinda is very active in the community and volunteers for a number of organizations & earned a number of notable community awards: