By Jeremy Schwab
Fernando Ortiz (CAS’17, Questrom’24) jumped feet first into public service and internships during his time at BU. A quick succession of roles in politics brought him from BU to D.C. in just a few short years.
At BU, he interned at the International Economic Development Group while studying abroad in London, at the Boston City Council, and in the U.S. Senate. Just a few weeks after graduating, Ortiz began working as a field organizer to help get Boston Mayor Marty Walsh re-elected. He spent another year working on political campaigns, then in January 2019 landed his first of three positions in Mayor Walsh’s office. This winter he followed Walsh to D.C. after the Senate confirmed Walsh as the new secretary of labor.
Ortiz sat down with arts&sciences to discuss his rapid ascent in the world of politics and public policy, and what he has learned on his journey.
a&s: What first got you interested in economics and politics?
Ortiz: I took my first economics class in high school and was totally taken by it. (Shoutout to Mr. Slater!) Trying to understand people’s choices, motivations, and what incentives do and don’t work fascinates me, and it’s something I think naturally made me interested in politics and government later on. I’ve always believed we have a responsibility to use any influence or resources at our hands to help others, and I’ve made public service my way of doing that. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to support the work of elected officials, policy experts, advocacy groups, and everyone in between who dedicate their lives to making life just a little bit fairer and easier for people. That’s what good government and public policy is all about, and the work is never finished.
a&s: In a few short years, you have built a strong resume already by pursuing internships and jobs that built on the experiences of your previous roles. What do you think allowed you to be so sure of your direction and to jump at these opportunities?
Ortiz: I don’t think anyone is ever really sure. I certainly wasn’t, and that’s okay. All you can ever do is do what’s best for you in the moment based on the information you have in front of you. I try not to plan too many steps ahead. I think plans can be too limiting — you never know where your next opportunity will come from. Another thing: you have nothing to lose from a cold email. A cold email landed me an internship for a Boston city councilor as an undergrad, and it opened doors I wouldn’t have ever imagined. Underscoring all of this is a willingness to put in the hours and energy. I always think back to something my dad tells me: someone is always paying attention. So work hard, don’t cut corners, learn as much as you can, and most importantly, remember to take care of yourself.
a&s: Do you have any interesting stories from some of these positions you’ve held, such as the political campaigns you worked on?
Ortiz: I don’t have a particular story, but a big takeaway from political campaigns — be nice to the person calling you about their candidate or issue on the ballot. It’s likely a young, sleep deprived and under caffeinated organizer, or a volunteer taking time out of their day to get their neighbors involved in our most basic civic duty. Regardless of party or ideology, we should be thankful for those folks. Relatedly, I’d recommend everyone get involved in the process!
a&s: Of the experiences you had in undergrad, which ones were the most formative for you in inspiring/informing your career direction and your outlook on the world?
Ortiz: I immediately thought of my freshman year research writing seminar on the history of marijuana in the US. It was the first time I’d ever really taken a deep dive into any one specific piece of public policy, and it’s a good example of how public policy impacts every aspect of our lives, and can have a pervasive ripple effect that can damage entire communities if left unchecked. It also made me think about the role that history plays in our lives. Basically, anything that will ever happen has already happened in some comparable way, and we’ll be much better off if we pay attention to that. If I could have added a third major, it would have been history.
a&s: What did it feel like when you learned that Mayor Walsh would become Secretary of Labor and that you would be following him to D.C.?
Ortiz: More than anything, I was happy for him. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to join his new team, of course, but in the bigger picture, the country is better for his confirmation to the role. He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever met, and he genuinely cares. He builds bridges. I think this country needs someone like that in charge of the wellbeing of working people — especially today. I think the past year of COVID-19 has put a spotlight on the “essential worker” and what that actually means. We can light up hotel windows in the shape of a heart and buy them pizzas all day long, but real appreciation is a society that values them as such at a more fundamental level. I feel optimistic about these next few years and the work ahead.
a&s: What has life and work in D.C. been like so far? Do you miss Boston, or are you too busy to look back?
Ortiz: D.C. is a beautiful place, and I’m grateful to be here. The hype around the peak cherry blossom season is absolutely warranted. I’ll always miss Boston. As a 17-year-old kid from Indiana, I couldn’t have even dreamt up the last eight years. More than anything, I’m grateful for the friends and teams that I’ve been lucky enough to meet, know, and learn from. Those relationships stay with you.
a&s: In the Labor Department, what is your day like? What has been most challenging, rewarding, or unexpected?
Ortiz: Truthfully, it still feels surreal. I’ve been here a couple months now and am still marveling at everyone I get to work with. The passion and diversity of experience they bring to the table every single day is unlike anything I’ve seen. It’s humbling in the best way. The most rewarding part of this job is meeting and hearing from people the Department of Labor has helped — folks who’ve recovered stolen wages or are celebrating newfound success after graduating from a job retraining program. At times when things feel hopeless, it’s those stories that keep you going — a small dose of proof that good intentions can create good results. I’m excited to play a tiny role in the work ahead.