Julia Luise Ortega

Julia Ortega brings over thirty years of experience in the biotechnology and healthcare industry. She describes herself as a Patient Advocate who is skilled in Operational Leadership, Clinical Translational Research and Patient Care. Her interest is in developing large scale effective multi-systems in healthcare with the goal of improving the daily lives of people.

Prior to joining C2N, Julia led the iHope Genetic Health philanthropic program at Genetic Alliance where she focused on the global expansion of genetic testing to undiagnosed communities. Julia was a Director of Scientific Research at Illumina, Inc where she ran the daily operational activities of the iHope Program as well as a portfolio of several clinical research genomic projects that utilized whole genome sequencing and multi-omic technologies. Her background also includes working for United Health Group, Aetna and Blue Shield of California where she developed Clinical Programs for populations in need based on medical and prescription aggregate claims data.

Julia was honored to receive a Bureau of Primary Care scholarship that enabled her to earn Physician Assistant and Masters in Health Science degrees from Duke University School of Medicine. She then practiced in internal medicine and geriatrics at a federally qualified health center and in skilled nursing facilities for over 15 years. Her baccalaureate degree is from the phenomenal Spelman College, whose mission is to empower the whole person to engage the many cultures of the world and inspire a commitment to positive social change.