Maria Ortega

Maria Ortega is an Adjunct Professor in English/Journalism/Communications at Texas Tech University's College of Media & Communication while pursuing a doctoral degree. With over 25 years of experience as a strategic corporate communications executive, she specializes in crisis management, media relations, and social media. She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Harvard University, a B.A. from Harvard, and certificates in Writing (Oxford University), Television Writing (UCLA), and STEM (Texas Tech).

• Education: M.A. Harvard University, B.A. Harvard University, Certificates from Oxford, UCLA, and Texas Tech.

Her research focuses on modernizing Social Exchange Theory and spans six key areas: Corporate Crisis Management, Entertainment Culture Analysis, Hispanic Journalism, Public Relations Strategy, Digital Media Trends, and Gender Studies in Media.

Teaching focuses include PR for Nonprofits, Events Management, and Rhetoric & Composition courses. Her career highlights include AP-style writing expertise, podcasting, and winning international film festival awards for her documentary work.

• Awards: Honolulu & Mexico City Film Festival First-Time Filmmaker Awards.

Ortega’s professional portfolio bridges academia and industry, blending practical experience with scholarly research in media and communication disciplines.