09/02/2026
Lizeth Ortega celebrated her quinces in 2012, surrounded by family, music and plenty of joy. Among the photographs she shares with us is one of our favorites: a mariachi musician placing an enormous sombrero on the quinceañera’s head! Years later, Lizeth became part of the La Casita family. In 2021, she interned with us as an administrative assistant, helping strengthen registration, attendance and feedback systems for families, community members and student volunteers. She also collaborated with Syracuse University graduate students on a youth writing initiative that culminated in a publication featuring the young participants’ work.
Today, Lizeth continues serving Central New York as Immigration Program Manager and DOJ Accredited Representative at the Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY. She holds a BS in Human Resources Management from SUNY Oswego.
Her story reminds us that the people who pass through La Casita often return to our community in new roles—as professionals, advocates, mentors and leaders.
💖 Lizeth’s story—and many other quinceañera stories, photographs, videos, stunning gowns and treasured memorabilia—will be on view at La Casita this fall.
Join us September 19 at 6:00 p.m. for the opening of Quinceañera Dreams!
The exhibition will remain on view through April 2027.
Reel editor, Rowel Jimenez, SU '26
