Meet The CEO - Damaris Ortiz
A New Way of Healing with Ms. Ortiz
A new healing modality for Massachusetts and Rhode Island specializing in helping male victims of trauma
Damaris Ortiz’s journey is one of resilience, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of healing—both for herself and for the communities she serves. Born in Rochester, NY, and raised in Chicago before making her home in Rhode Island, Damaris has built a life rooted in advocacy, empathy, and transformation. A mother, grandmother, writer, and community leader, her story is a testament to the strength that can be found in vulnerability.
From a young age, Damaris dedicated herself to advocating for justice within marginalized communities, particularly for Black and Brown individuals. As a survivor of sexual assault, she turned to writing as a lifeline—a way to process pain and reclaim her voice. That journey led her to become a published author in an influential collective of stories on trauma and resilience. Her contribution in “The Elephant in the Room: A Prison with No Bars,” opens the book and captures her raw, unfiltered truth—a story of survival, strength, and the courage to break the silence.
Inspired by The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, Damaris continues to use storytelling as a tool for empowerment. Her words and leadership encourage other survivors to share their own experiences, fostering healing through camaraderie and shared experience.
Damaris's advocacy goes well beyond the written word. She has served as a Homicide Advocate with Boston's District Attorney's Office, collaborating with the Boston Police Homicide Unit, and offering essential support to the families of victims through the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute—an organization focused on healing, reconciliation, and community peace. Her efforts have impacted countless lives, providing compassion in the face of tragedy.
Her impact has reached across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Damaris has been honored by the City of Boston, where Mayor Michelle Wu recognized her loyalty and fulfillment of the Communities Prepared for Re-entry Pilot Program. The Massachusetts House of Representatives also commended her for her unparalleled leadership and community commitment. In 2024, she completed the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) Training Academy. In 2025, she earned certification through the Latino Addiction Counselor Education Program (LACE), furthering her expertise in supporting individuals in recovery and building healthier communities.
In 2024, Damaris established Pan Con Café, a Spanish-language community group that aims to foster connections through conversation, empathy, and education. Her mission is both straightforward and impactful: unity breeds community. By bringing together the Black and Brown communities through open dialogue and mutual understanding, she is dedicated to creating safe spaces for healing and personal growth.
As the CEO of Ya Enough!, Damaris leads with compassion. She believes that healing starts with honest communication and that every story shared brings someone closer to hope. Under her leadership, Ya Enough! serves as a space where individuals can unpack the burdens they carry, embrace their truths, and embark on a new beginning.
Damaris Ortiz’s life reminds us that healing is not about forgetting the past; it is about learning to embrace tomorrow with strength, wisdom, and love.
