Born and raised in Colombia, South America. Married for the last thirty-one years to Dr. Anthony Ortegon, a local physician.   They have two children, Anthony and Arthur.

She was educated at Rutgers University where she obtained a degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry.  Upon graduation, she worked as a director for sterile products and run the water treatment plant for a major pharmaceutical company.

After moving from New Jersey to Colorado in 1980, she worked at the University of Southern Colorado in the Biochemistry Research Lab as Lab Manager.  Four years later, she transferred to the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs where she worked at the Biotechnology Center as the Research Lab Manager.

In 1995, she was elected to the Board of Water Works, on January 2001 she became the first Woman and Hispanic to be elected President of the Board of Water Works. 

In January 1999, she was appointed by Governor Owens to be the Economic Development Representative for Southeastern Colorado.  This position entails attracting, expanding and retaining jobs for Southern Colorado.  During her tenure, over 9,200 jobs were announced in her area, of which, 4,500 have already materialized.   She announced her resignation from this office, effective March 31, 2004, to actively seek the position of Pueblo County Commissioner, District 1.

In February 2007, she was appointed to Pueblo City Council to fill a vacancy.

As a resident of Pueblo for the last 27 years, Ms. Ortegon has been an active community supporter and as a teacher she has been very dedicated to education at all levels.

She is or has been involved in numerous boards, such as, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, 10th Judicial Nominating Commission, frequent guest at the Colorado State of Mind television show, Planning and Zoning Commission, Southern Colorado Community Foundation, Citizens Advisory Committee to the Pueblo Chemical Depot, Action 22, Economic Council of Colorado, Women Economic Council of Colorado, St. John Neumann Catholic School, Historic Arkansas River Project (HARP) Authority, Welfare Director Screening Committee, Children’s Museum – Education Committee, Rocky Mountain Center for Healthcare Ethics, Fountain Valley School, and the 2010 Commission – Economic Development Committee.

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