CEO
GIRLS INC.
WHY: Heads Orange County chapter of Girls Inc. nonprofit that offers programs on leadership, academic success, health and financial self‐sufficiency at local school campuses and community centers for girls from kindergarten through college; for example, the Santa Ana organization covered nearly $19,000 in college application fees for high school graduates last year. Counts almost 24 years with Girls Inc.; she initially joined in 1999 as the director of program services and three years later, was promoted to chief executive. Collaborates with 46 schools across seven school districts in OC.
IN THE NEWS: Since she became CEO in 2002, the organization has grown from helping 1,500 girls to 11,200 in 2025. Generated $4.4M in revenue for 2025.
NOTABLE: Before Girls Inc., spent nine years as a youth development program coordinator for the city of Santa Ana, where her mentor Jenny Rios taught her to trust her own judgement and how to utilize constructive criticism. She is a CSUF alumna and in 2025, she was inducted into the Santa Ana College Hall of Fame.
FUN FACTS: Santana-Ornelas can be spotted at high school games, stunt competitions and downtown Santa Ana supporting her 16-year-old daughter, who is a varsity cheerleader and plays in a band.
IN HER WORDS: “Due to schools and community needs, we have strategically focused on investing in Title I schools and under-resourced communities with the goal of understanding the restrictions of gender stereotypes and helping develop the confidence to overcome them when seeking opportunities to enhance their lives and to set goals for their own future that build on their strengths, talents, and abilities.”
