Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU Joins Pax Christi USA Staff as DC Office Director
Sr. Dianna Ortiz
Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace movement, announced the hiring of Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU, as the new director of their Washington, D.C. office. Sr. Ortiz assumes responsibility for several primary components of Pax Christi USA’s work, including policy direction, coalition work, and coordination and supervision of the new D.C.-based internship program. She will also be active in aspects of fundraising and development.
“We could not be more delighted to have such a distinguished and passionate leader in the Catholic peace and justice movement joining our staff,” stated Dave Robinson, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA. “Dianna is an extraordinary individual and she brings a wealth of experience and extraordinary gifts to our organization.”
Before joining Pax Christi USA’s staff, Sr. Ortiz was the founder and executive director of the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC), an international organization of torture survivors, located in Washington, D.C. In her 2002 book, The Blindfold’s Eyes: My Journey from Torture to Truth (with Patricia Davis and published by Orbis Books), Sr. Ortiz recounts her own story of abduction and torture in Guatemala, and her ongoing search for healing and justice.
“Sr. Dianna is well-known to members of Pax Christi USA, including being named Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace in 2000,” said Pax Christi USA National Council chairperson Pearlette Springer. “We’re truly blessed to have her leadership and commitment to this movement as a member of the national staff.”
From 2001-2003, Sr. Ortiz was a recipient of the Ashoka Fellowship for Social Entrepreneurs and has also been recognized with honorary doctorates from the College of New Rochelle (NY), Carroll College (MT) and Springfield College (IL). She has received numerous awards, including the M. Shanara Gilbert Human Rights Award from the Society of American Law Teachers in 2008 and the Freedom House: Speak Truth to Power award in 2004.
“I’m excited to join the staff of Pax Christi USA, an organization I’ve long admired and been a member of, and I look forward to working on a variety of issues focused on our work for peace and justice,” stated Sr. Ortiz
