NORTHAMPTON – Isolda Ortega-Bustamante was recently hired as Development Director of the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES).
CES Executive Director Bill Diehl said Ortega-Bustamante brings over a dozen years of public sector fundraising and development experience to her new position. In addition, he said, “Isolda has a wealth of experience in developing partnerships with foundations, community-based organizations, universities, and community colleges. I see her playing an important role in deepening the work we’ve already initiated to expand our work in new arenas.”
Most recently, Ortega-Bustamante worked as the Director of State and Federal Programs for Holyoke Public Schools, overseeing $17 million dollars in public grant programs, and leading the district in securing a $300,000 state grant to bolster enrichment activities for English Language Learners. She also oversaw the successful application for state funds to expand the district?s Full Service Community School reform model at three schools in Holyoke with the highest number of low income children.
Previously, she served as Director of Engaging Communities for Education (ENLACE), an initiative to increase enrollment of Holyoke’s Latino students at Holyoke Community College (HCC). Prior to that, she served for several years as HCC?s College and Community Grants Specialist.
“This is a watershed moment for me,” said Ortega-Bustamante. “To be working on a team that combines true educational expertise with a commitment to all children and a respect for all teachers, is both energizing and inspiring. I believe schools are the cornerstones of building a more democratic society. As a first-generation immigrant who benefited from the power of education to uplift my family, I am passionate about the focus of the Collaborative’s work.”
Ortega-Bustamante received a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, and completed course work towards a doctorate in Political Science at the City University of New York (CUNY). As Senior Research Associate at a CUNY research center, she co- authored journal articles on urban policy and community development in peer-reviewed journals.
Once she is settled in her position, she intends to pursue a doctorate in educational administration. Ortega-Bustamante also has a long history of volunteer involvement in local and state organizations and initiatives. She was appointed as a member to the Whole Child Subcommittee of the Governor?s Readiness Project Leadership Council in 2007.
She was also selected as a participant of Leadership Pioneer Valley, a network of emerging and existing leaders focused on raising awareness of the needs and challenges affecting the region. In addition, she has served on the boards of The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, the UMass Student Bridges program, the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts, and the Friends of the Fine Arts Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Ortega-Bustamante lives with her husband and son, who is a student at Crocker Farm School in Amherst.