Media


2024

JANUARY

Democratizing Game Development: Maria Burns Ortiz’s Vision – BNN Breaking writes about CEO Maria Burns Ortiz, 7 Generation Games and our 7 Gen Blocks.

A software entrepreneur wants to empower players to develop their own games – CEO Maria Burns Ortiz is featured in The Guardian as part of its “New Busines School Series” as a panel of experts weigh-in on about 7 Generation Games and our shift to being an educational game platform with 7 Gen Blocks.

2023

DECEMBER

Why US small businesses are on a surprisingly strong footing as interest rates rise – In this Goldman Sachs report, CEO Maria Burns Ortiz and 7 Generation Games are featured as an example of how a small business has been successful by being resourceful amid rising interest rates.

OCTOBER

AnnMaria De Mars Making Learning Games Where You Actually Learn – Catch AnnMaria on the latest episode of the Professor Game podcast.

SEPTEMBER

Why This Founder Is Using Video Games To Revolutionize The Education System – Our CEO Maria Burns Ortiz, a digitalundivided Do You Fellow, talks about her founder origin story, why use video games as a medium to teach, what it’s like building a company with family, and more.

AUGUST

Customer Discovery is the Key to Scaling Your Startup – Maria and the GIST Network reconnect after six years and talk about where 7 Generation Games is at now.

Xbox Announces AISES Partnership for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – Our game Spirit Lake is featured in Xbox’s announcement of their partnership with AISES for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

JUNE

Native Talk Arizona – adding a “Why to the What” students need to learn with 7 Generation Games.

MAY

The High-Performance CEO Show (Ep. 35) – Maria is the guest on “The High-Performance CEO Show” and talks about 7 Generation Games, the impact it’s had on her personal life, and more.

5 Latina and Black mothers running a startup (and their advice to you) – digitalundivided’s blog features 7 Generation Games’ Maria Burns Ortiz and her advice as a mother running a startup.

APRIL

#WeArePlay | Maria, AnnMaria and Dennis | 7 Generation Games | USA – Google Play features Maria, AnnMaria and Dennis of 7 Generation Games as part of their #WeArePlay campaign. Get a closer look at 7 Generation Games.

South Summit Madrid 2022: Education and storytelling with Maria Burns Ortiz, 7 Generation Games – Maria talks about her experience in tech and the work being done at 7 Generation Games.

2022 Portfolio Showcase – 7 Generation Games is featured in the Larta Institute’s 2022 Portfolio Showcase, a part of their Impact Report. View full Impact Report Here.

FEBRUARY

Educating the Next Generation Through Gaming with Maria Burns Ortiz – Maria joins Courtney and Erin on the “First To Arrive, Last to Leave” Podcast to talk about her journey of creating a tech company, embarking on a fundraising journey, and the obstacles she had to overcome in growing a large company.

2022

DECEMBER

Meet Maria Burns Ortiz, and her 7 Generation video games – Latinas in Business Inc. features Maria Burns Ortiz and 7 Generation Games

Best Advice for Starting a Business After 50 – Dr. AnnMaria De Mars on Next Avenue discusses the advantages and challenges to being a serial entrepreneur after 50.

The Maven Show – What it takes to scale a startup – Dr. AnnMaria De Mars talks leadership, making the games she wanted to make in the 1980s and how long it really takes to succeed with a startup.

NOVEMBER

“Why We Need to Create More Inclusive EdTech” – South Summit publishes a blog by Maria on the importance of creating inclusive edtech.

SEPTEMBER

Grow Money Business Podcast, Episode #148: Using Entrepreneurship For Good With AnnMaria De Mars – AnnMaria is the guest on the the Grow Money Business podcast with Grant Bledsoe where she talks about using entrepreneurship to create a positive impact on the world.

WIVA’s Latest Deal Aims to Improve Learning Outcomes for Indigenous Students – 7 Generation Games and our wefunder community round is featured on the Wharton, University of Pennsylvania site.

AUGUST

Meet California’s 6 Top CTO’s in the Parenting Space – Dennis De Mars of 7 Generation Games is featured on CTO Boardroom Media’s list

Women CEO In Reflection – Maria Burns Ortiz appears on the Women CEO In Reflection podcast with Marisa Jones.

Changing the Perception of Success: You CAN do good for the world and make money at it. – Dr. AnnMaria De Mars appears on the FUEL Podacast with Leila Ansart.

Educational Video Games Work to Reach Students Across Cultures – Scripps National News broadcast story on 7 Generation Games. Scripps is a network of 60 networks in 42 markets and the national Newsy network. Cities/networks where the story ran include San Diego (ABC 10), Baltimore (ABC 2), Detroit (ABC 7), Denver (ABC 7), Milwaukee (NBC 4), Tucson (ABC 9), Cincinnati (ABC 9), Southern Colorado (NBC 5), Hampton Roads, Va. (CBS 3), Salt Lake City (Fox 13) and more.

JULY

Games Bridge the Gap – The Southwest Connector features 7 Generation Games.

Leaving a Family Legacy – Dr. AnnMaria De Mars makes an appearance on Power Athlete Radio. Listen here or watch it on Youtube.

JUNE

Minneapolis company strives to make culturally accurate, online learning tools – Inforum features 7 Generation Games.

More than just a games: Minneapolis company strives to make culturally accurate, online learning tools. – Sahan Journal features 7 Generation Games.

#WeArePlay – Google Play’s National Campaign #WeArePlay features 7 Generation Games.

More than just a game: Mpls. company strives to make culturally accurate, online learning tools – MPR News features 7 Generation Games.

How to Close the STEM Achievement Gap for Indigenous Students: Feature Local Culture – Education Week discusses our ISTE presentation by AnnMaria De Mars, Juliana Taken Alive, and Maria Burns Ortiz.

Alberto Crane podcast Interview with Dr. AnnMaria De Mars – AnnMaria De Mars makes an appearance on the Alberto Crane podcast.

Creating Customized Games Reflecting a Community’s Heritage and Forming New Connections for the Future – AnnMaria De Mars is featured on the Humanitarian Entrepreneur podcast.

Dr. AnnMaria De Mars, Ronda Rousey’s Mom Speaks About Investing in Your Children, Part 1 – AnnMaria De Mars discusses investing time, money and your heart into your children on the latest Coffee with Rhadi podcast.

MAY

How To Become A World Champion In Judo And Business – Dr. AnnMaria De Mars on the LandLife podcast. Watch on Youtube or Listen on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.

Dr. AnnMaria De Mars: Determination to Prove People Wrong – Dr. AnnMaria De Mars is a guest on the Pressing the Limits Podcast. Listen to the “Pressing The Limits Podcast” on Apple PodcastSpotifyGoogle Podcasts or watch it on YouTube!

APRIL

7 Generation Games: Where Creativity and Critical Thinking Collide – SciTech MN highlights 7 Generation Games and intern Luna Xiong, which was hired through their SciTech Program.

FEBRUARY

SDPB Native American Studies Resources – Making Camp: Lakota and Making Camp: Dakota are featured as educational resources by South Dakota Public Broadcasting.

JANUARY

Kids Asking Questions: Game Developer & Kids Asking Questions: Game Tester – 7 Generation Games was featured as part of JJ’s Playhouse Children’s Museum in Atlanta’s “Kids Asking Questions” series.

2021

DECEMBER

100 People to Know in 2022 – Maria Burns Ortiz has been recognized as one of the Twin Cities Business Magazine’s “100 People to know in 2022”.

NOVEMBER

Juegos De Matemáticas Gratis Para Niños – Maria Burns Ortiz de 7 Generation Games habla con Kirk Gimenez de Xizzle TV sobre nuestros juegos bilingües.

Free Math Games For Hispanic & Indigenous Children – Maria Burns Ortiz talks about their dedication to helping Hispanic and Indigenous children.

Ed Heads PodCast: Do videogames belong in the classroom? – Maria Burns Ortiz and AnnMaria De Mars discuss screen time and the benefits of educational games with podcast hosts Dan Conn and Chelsie Hultz.

Founder Series – AnnMaria De Mars, 7 Generation Games – RBL1 Live – Rebel One RBL1.com – Accelerating Impact Founders & Investors.

OCTOBER

Games That Make You Smarter: Maria Burns Ortiz – An Indieway Online Business Ecosystem Partnered Session where Maria Burns Ortiz talks about games that make you smarter, introducing attendees to serious/educational games by examining the differences and similarities between serious games and casual/entertainment games.

AUGUST

Meet Minne Inno’s 2021 Blazer Award Winners – 7 Generation Games is named the 2021 Blazer Award Winner for Education by Minne Inno, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s news outlet focused on the startup scene.

JULY

101 Top Minnesota Education Companies and Startups of 2021 – 7 Generation Games has been showcased as one of the best Minnesota-based Education Companies.

JUNE

Minne Inno’s 2021 Fire Awards – 7 Generation Games received a Fire Award in the Education category from Minne Inno, recognizing the company as one of the the top early-stage tech companies in the state of Minnesota.

Forbes Next 1000 – Maria Burns Ortiz – Maria Burns Ortiz was named to Forbes Next 1000 list, honoring small business owners and startup founders across the country.

From Interns to Developers: Opportunities Abound at 7 Generation Games – 7 Generation Games is highlighted for using the SciTech Internship Program.

MAY

#AndroidDevJourney spotlight – May edition – Senior Android developer at 7 Generation Games Gonzalo Serrano is featured in #AndroidDevJourney.

Close the math gap for Native American, Latino, & rural-area kidsMaria Burns Ortiz joins Roshini Rajkumar on WCCO’s Real Talk With Roshini to talk about how 7 Generation Games 40K active users in schools & homes across the US are improving math scores. 

Closing the math gap for students with Videogames – On the Tech.MN podcast, Maria Burns Ortiz discusses how games can help teach and using technology to create more equity in education.

7 Generation Games incorporates indigenous culture into education – 7 Generation Games and the Growing Math project are profiled in this Minot Daily News article. (Click here for Spanish)

APRIL

Indigenous educator creates video game curriculum to teach SD students Lakota, Dakota culture and math – The Growing Math project is highlighted in the Argus Leader.

Career & Workplace: The Future of Work – Maria talks about the work-from-home process and what should happen next.

2021 40 Under 40: Maria Burns Ortiz drives success at 7 Generation Games – As one of the Minnesota/St. Paul Business Journal’s 2021 40 under 40, 7 Generation Games CEO Maria Burns Ortiz is highlighted.

Fun and Culturally Based Video Games Boost Math Skills During the Pandemic – 7 Generation Games’ CEO Maria Burns Ortiz and Director of Regional Partnerships Juliana Taken Alive talk to Leah Lemm of Minnesota Native News’ “COVID-19 Community Conversations” about 7 Generation Games and the Growing Math project.

Why Building Product for Underserved Communities is a Massive Opportunity –  In this podcast, Maria Burns Ortiz talks about the importance of building video games that close the math skills gap found in underrepresented communities.

7 Generation Games Expands Platform – 7 Generation Games’ CEO Maria Burns Ortiz and Growing Math Project Director Juliana Taken Alive talk with Minnesota Native News.

By All Means with Maria Burns Ortiz – Maria Burns Ortiz talks with Twin Cities Business’ By All Means Podcast.

FEBRUARY

MSPBJ’s complete list of 2021 40 Under 40 honorees – Maria Burns Ortiz is an honoree in Minnesota/St. Paul Business Journal’s 2021 40 under 40

JANUARY

6 Video Games with Native American Influences – Vision Maker Media lists 6 video games with Native American influences and our Spirit Lake is one of them!

Inspirational Women in STEM and Tech: Maria Burns Ortiz of ‘7 Generation Games’ On The 5 Leadership Lessons She Learned From Her Experience – An Authority Magazine interview with 7 Generation Games CEO Maria Burns Ortiz.

2020

NOVEMBER

7 Generation Games expands education in Indian Country amid pandemic – KFYR TV Segment on 7 Generation Games and the Growing Math Project

Growing Math project to aid Indigenous students and educators during pandemic – Indian Country Today article on 7 Generation Games launching the Growing Math Project

SEPTEMBER

Rebel One Founder Series – AnnMaria De Mars, 7 GenerationGames – Dr. AnnMaria De Mars is interviewed by Rebel One. She details her mission, values and plans for the future, She details current issues in education, business and entrepreneurship.

JUNE

Interview with Dr. AnnMaria De Mars – Dr. AnnMaria De Mars is interviewed on the Finding Here Podcast.

Indigenous Peeps in the Industry Interview with Stephen Gladue  – Artist Stephen Gladue is interviewed and mentions 7 Generation Games.

2019

NOVEMBER

AARP Honors Two Former Residents – The Telegraph from Alton, IL writes about AnnMaria being named an AARP Purpose Prize Fellow.

AARP Purpose Prize Fellow AnnMaria De Mars – AnnMaria De Mars is featured on the AARP website for being named a 2019 AARP Purpose Prize Fellow.

2019 AARP Purpose Prize Fellows – AnnMaria De Mars was named one of the 2019 AARP Purpose Prize Fellows.

SEPTEMBER

Teaching and Reaching those Frequently ‘Left Behind’ – Scott Elliot of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) writes about 7 Generation Games and our work to reach schools left behind by Silicon Valley.

JULY

Think Like a Champion – Live, learn, repeat podcast

Dr. AnnMaria De Mars guest appearance on Divine Forces Radio – AnnMaria makes a guest appearance on Divine Forces Radio, KPFK. (Language/NSFW)

2018

DECEMBER

How To Balance A High Powered Tech Career While Raising Bad*** Children w/ Dr. AnnMaria De Mars – AnnMaria features on the Trauma to Triumph Podcast

SEPTEMBER

7 Generation Games – a Making Camp Premium Product Review – How To Homeschool plays Making Camp Premium and gives their review.

AUGUST

Making Camp Premium Wins Parent and Teacher Choice Award – HowToLearn.com awards the Making Camp Premium Mobile App the Parent and Teacher Choice Award.

JUNE

The Positive and Negative Effects of Video Games on Children – In this blog post by Crazy Games, 7 Generation Games is recommended for children to learn and enhance their math skills while having fun.

Profile: AnnMaria De Mars – In this New Learning Times article, AnnMaria shares her experiences in education, business, and gaming and how it led to creating 7 Generation Games, along with her opportunity to bring her start up to Chile.

MAY

50 Latina Tech Founders – The Stats – In Cecilia Corral’s article for the Medium, she highlights the 50 Latina Tech Founders who have raised over $1 million in funding, including AnnMaria and Maria.

MARCH

Educational Equity: New Podcast with 7 Generation Games – The Larta Institute’s podcast on educational equity with Maria Burns Ortiz.

Dr. AnnMaria De Mars on the Mohsin Show – Listen to AnnMaria talk about gaming, math education and financial literacy with Sara Mohsin.

JANUARY

Tech Family Scoring Points With Education Games – In this article by the Southern California Latino Policy Center, Maria shares how she and President Dr. AnnMaria are breaking stereotypes with 7 Generation Games.

Women In Tech Podcast, hosted by Espree Devora – Maria Burns Ortiz is featured on the Women In Tech Podcast.

17 Beautiful Indigenous Comic Books and Video Games For Kids – 7 Generation Games are on CBC’s list of comic books and video games that help to eliminate negative stereotypes of Indigenous people.

With a price-sensitive market, EdTech startups need to establish a good pricing model – Maria Burns Ortiz shares what the biggest challenge is for startups in this article by E27.

2017

DECEMBER

Seed | And the results are in…welcome Seed G19 – In this article, Startup Chile lists the start-up founders chosen to be a part of Generation 19 of Startup Chile, including AnnMaria De Mars representing 7 Generation Games.

NOVEMBER

Semifinalists Announced for the GIST Catalyst Pitch Competition During GES 2017 – In this article by the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, Maria Burns Ortiz is announced as one of the semifinalists for the GIST Catalyst Pitch Competition at GES 2017.

Meet Maria Burns Ortiz of 7 Generation Games in Santa Monica – Maria Burns Ortiz shares her story and talks about 7 Generation Games in this article by Voyage LA.

7 Generation Games, Games That Make You Smarter: LA Tech Startup Spotlight – Maria Burns Ortiz – Maria talks 7 Generation Games on the WeAreLATech podcast with guest host Krisztina ‘Z’ Holly.

Homeschool.com’s 2017 Gift Guide – 7 Generation Games is featured in Homeschool.com’s 2017 Gift Guide as a great gift idea for kids interested in Science/STEM/STEAM.

Best in Video Games 2017: Top Industry Leaders – 7 Generation Games is named the best company for educational video game platforms and apps in this article by CreditDonkey.

AUGUST

6 startups using games to change how kids learn – 7 Generation Games is featured in Built in Los Angeles’ article, “6 startups using games to change how kids learn.”

‘AzTech Games’: un juego para enseñar matemáticas -y nuestra cultura – 7 Generation Games’ AzTech Games and its Kickstarter campaign is featured in an article on CNET en Español.

JULY

Homeschool.com Back to Homeschool Award 2017 – 7 Generation Games was named, once again, a top back to homeschool resource for 2017 in this article by Homeschool.com.

The Ultimate Homeschool Curriculum List of 2017 – In this article by How To Homeschool, 7 Generation Games is selected for “The Ultimate Homeschool Curriculum List of 2017.”

JUNE

4 Accounting Hacks for Small Business Owners – Maria Burns Ortiz shares her tip for making sure the books are in order in this article by Business Collective.

MAY

ISTE 2017 Preview: 7 Generation Games – Nibletz features 7 Generation Games as a preview to the ISTE 2017, which we attended.

APRIL

Ronda Rousey’s Mom Is a Video Game Designer, but She’ll Still Kick Your Ass LA Weekly features Dr. AnnMaria De Mars.

Money for Lunch: Tom Hopkins, Maria Burns Ortiz, AnnMaria De Mars, Deb Gabor – Maria Burns Ortiz and Dr. AnnMaria De Mars, talk about 7 Generation Games and more on this Money for Lunch podcast.

MARCH

Video games encourage Indigenous cultural expression – Our games Spirit Lake and Fish Lake are mentioned in this article on video games that effectively and accurately portray Native culture, published on The Conversation.

Money for Lunch: Bruce Bellmare, Maria Burns Ortiz, Shane Kenny, Norm Blumenthal – Maria Burns Ortiz talks about 7 Generation Games and more on this Money for Lunch podcast.

JANUARY

Latina le apuesta a la tecnología con el propósito de educar a los niños – Maria Burns Ortiz talks about 7 Generation Games and our Making Camp app helping students in the Latino community in this feature by Hoy Los Angeles.

ED Games Expo: 7 Generation Games (video) – Maria talks to Classcraft about our math and social studies games at the ED Games Expo 2016.

Top Apps for Kids – Making Camp was chosen as one of the Top Apps for Kids in this article by Educents.

2016

DECEMBER

18 big learning games appearing at ED Games Expo 2016 – 7 Generation Games is highlighted in this article by Classcraft as one of the companies that will be exhibiting their games at the ED Games Expo 2016.

Let the EdTech Games Begin – 7 Generation Games is featured in EdScoop‘s preview of the ED Games Expo.

Educational Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love Apps & Video Games – 7 Generation Games is featured on Educents‘ Gift Guide for Gamers.

NOVEMBER

#WhatWeNeedToSuceed: A Letter to the Next President on Behalf of Women Entrepreneurs – Maria Burns Ortiz joins a list of women entrepreneurs in signing a letter addressed to the next president outlining what women entrepreneurs need in order to succeed, featured by Dell.

6 Ways Your Company Can Evolve With Twitter – Maria Burns Ortiz gives a tip on how to make your company evolve with Twitter in this Business Collective article.

OCTOBER

New Generation of Technology: Dr. AnnMaria De Mars and Maria Burns Ortiz – Dr. AnnMaria De Mars and Maria Burns Ortiz are featured on this National Women’s Business Council’s article.

Marketplace Tech’s Silicon Tally – Maria Burns Ortiz is featured on this Marketplace Tech’s Silicon Tally episode.

SEPTEMBER

Dr. AnnMaria De Mars: University of California Alumni spotlight – The UCR Graduate School of Education features the career of AnnMaria and development of 7 Generation Games.

6 Tips for Entrepreneurs Interested in Crowdfunding – Maria Burns Ortiz gives advice to entrepreneurs who are looking to crowdfund in this Business Collective article.

Games to Education Children – Maria Burns Ortiz talks about 7 Generation Games, making math fun, diversity in tech & more with Paul Amadeus Lane on Tech Zone.

Dr. AnnMaria De Mars talks 7 Generation Games, street fights, Ronda Rousey, and more – AnnMaria De Mars talks about how she applies what she learned from judo to 7 Generation Games with MMA Now TV.

Roadtrip Nation: Maria’s Open Road – Maria Burns Ortiz gets interviewed on Roadtrip Nation.

AUGUST

Resources Awards 2016: Homeschool.com’s Top Back to Homeschool Resources – 7 Generation Games is chosen as a Top Back to Homeschool Resource in this article by Homeschool.com.

The Top 50 Startups at Innovate! and Celebrate 2016 – 7 Generation Games is chosen as one of the Top 50 Startups to compete in the Tech.Co Annual Startup of the Year Competition.

JUNE

How to One Up the Start Up: Successes in Growing Women-Owned Businesses – Maria Burns Ortiz was among six women speaking candidly on what it is to be a female entrepreneur at The White House’s United State of Women Summit, covered by this article by Ellevate Network.

6 Ways to Make a New Business Connection Last – Maria Burns Ortiz is among those who offer up the best ways to build business connections in this Huffington Business article.

Bold Favor Magazine June 2016 (Located on Page 36-39) – Bold Favor Magazine profiles and interviews 7 Generation Games CEO Maria Burns Ortiz along with her husband, Evrybit founder Eric Ortiz.

MARCH

Life Lessons: What kids can learn from Ronda Rousey’s mother – WFMZ 69 News interviews Dr. AnnMaria De Mars on 7 Generation Games.

JANUARY

SBIR Women Developers Got Game – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) spotlights women game developers at Ed Games Expo 2015 including co-founder Maria Burns Ortiz.

2015

DECEMBER

The Bottom Line: Ed-Tech Series: Maria Ortiz, 7 Generation Games – Radio interview with KCPW featuring Maria.

Why the Government is All About Fun, Games and Funding GamesEdSurge covers Ed Games Expo 2015.

NOVEMBER

Pro Files: Dr. AnnMaria De Mars – A Beautiful Mind – A Medium profile by Matteo Urella on AnnMaria.

Ronda Rousey’s mother discusses video game company, daughter’s interest in gaming – CBS reporter Amber Lee interviews CEO Dr. AnnMaria De Mars in this video.

Ronda Rousey’s mother much more than just a UFC star’s momUSA Today spotlights AnnMaria and 7 Generation Games.

8 Startups Ready to Join the Salt Lake City Edtech HubEdSurge recognizes 7 Generation Games as a start-up participating in the Salt Lake City Edech Hub.

OCTOBER

AnnMaria De Mars – The Judo-Loving Educational Guru – In American Latino’s video, AnnMaria talks about 7 Generation Games.

SEPTEMBER

SKC student’s latest detour takes her across America, and puts her on TV – “The Missoulian” shares how RoadTrip Nation stopped by the 7 Generation Games office and came away inspired.

AUGUST

Primary Grades: Promoting Math Literacy and Cultural Learning – ED-FACTS: A Bi-Monthly Publication of NIFA’s Division of Community and Education.

MARCH

URL Radio Interview with Dr. AnnMaria De Mars – U Rock Lately Radio hosts Stacy and Nicole interview AnnMaria.

2014

NOVEMBER

Math Riddles for Dr. AnnMaria at LAX – TMZ test AnnMaria’s knowledge of math riddles and she test their’s.

JUNE

2014 LIT College Tour Silicon Valley Interview Series – Lit College Tour interviews CEO Maria Burns Ortiz on entrepreneurship and diversity.

MARCH

The 100 Speakers Who Should Be Seen More at Tech Conferences – Bizzabo Blog names CEO Dr. AnnMaria De Mars one of the top tech individuals the tech community would most like to see speaking at upcoming conferences.

Generational blindness: Is sexism in tech forever? – CEO Dr. AnnMaria De Mars weighs in on sexism in the tech industry in this GeekWire column by Frank Catalano.

2013

AUGUST

Former JC professor bases educational games on N.D. tribes – Newspaper feature in the Grand Folks Herald on AnnMaria. Also ran in in the Jamestown Sun newspaper.

JUNE

40 Women to Watch Over 40 – Our CEO Dr. AnnMaria De Mars was named one of “40 Women Over 40: Women who are reinventing, disrupting and making an impact.” The list was reported by Forbes.

MAY

Powermeter 2012-2013: Maria Burns Ortiz – Maria was named one of the 100 Most Influential People for Latinos in Massachusetts by El Planeta newspaper.