Mary Ann Gomez Orta is the President & CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI). The CHLI vision of advancing the Hispanic community’s diversity of thought aligns with Mary Ann’s motto that diverse points of view create exponentially better results for all.

She is a former corporate marketing executive with Coors Brewing Company and McDonald’s Corporation, a national alliance development consultant with the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America, and a Hispanic accounts and business development executive with public relations firms.

Mary Ann serves on the boards of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, St. Mary’s College of California Board of Regents, American Latino Veterans Association and is a national advisory to women of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality.

Personal leadership development is one of her passions. She completed an ontological coaching program by Accomplishment Coaching, is a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Trainer, is certified by The Emily Post Institute as a Business Etiquette Trainer, and has completed executive leadership courses by the Center for Creative Leadership and The Aspen Institute.

Mrs. Orta is a teacher at heart. She has taught at American University, University of Phoenix, and Heald College. In addition, she earned a B.A. in Communications at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, and an M.B.A. at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. She cherishes being honored by the University of the Pacific Alumni Association in 2019 with the Distinguished Public Service Award and by St. Mary’s College in 2020 with the Meritorious Service Award.

Gomez Orta is extremely proud of her parents. Her father is from Michoacán, Mexico, and her mother is from Brownsville, Texas. They raised five children while working in the fields of California’s Central Valley and encouraged and watched as all five earned undergraduate degrees and two went on to obtain master’s degrees.