Form Name: Boards and Commissions Application
Unique ID: 1337612921
Applicant Information
Name Betsy Gissell Ortega Florez
Are you a Sunnyvale resident? Yes
How long have you lived in
Sunnyvale?
2 Description Area Residence Notice:Unless otherwise noted, your principal place of residence must be in Sunnyvale. You must live in Sunnyvale at the time of appointment and at all times during service on a board or commission.
Current Main Residence
Email
Phone
Are you currently a registered
voter in Sunnyvale?
No
Have you ever served on a City of
Sunnyvale board or commission?
No
Have you attended a meeting of
the City Council, or a board or
commission?
Yes
Briefly describe what you learned
by watching or attending a
meeting of the City Council,
board or commission. What
improvements would you
suggest?
He atendido a diferentes reuniones del Concejo de la Ciudad. La última reunión de la que participe fue la del 10 de Diciembre del 2024 cuando se discutio la implementación del hotel para nuestros vecinos sin vivienda durante el clima extremo.
Como miembro de los Lideres de la Comunidad de SCS apoyé esta iniciativa, dí mis argumentos sobre esta temática y apoyé los diferentes discursos expuestos por mis companeros y personas que apoyaron la causa.
Have you attended meetings of
the board(s) or commission(s) for
which you are applying?
Yes
How many meetings have you
attended?
1 Office Use Only
Date Received:
__________
Voter registration
verified:
Office Use Only
Date Received:
__________
Voter registration verified:
On: ___________________
By: ___________________
Date Received:
Voter registration verified:
On:
By: ___________________
4/23/25
N/A
MH
IC
Betsy Gisell Ortega Florez
Translations attached at the
end of application
Board or Commission Selection
First Choice Human Relations Commission
Apply for another board or
commission?1
Yes
Second Choice Sustainability Commission
Applicant Qualifications
What motivated you to apply for
this board or commission?
Me motiva formar parte de la comision de recursos humanos por que creo firmemente en el poder del dialogo, la empatia y el respeto como pilares fundamentales para construir un ambiente armonico y colaborativo. Considero que tengo la capacidad de escuchar activamente, mediar en situaciones de conflicto y promover una cultura de inclusion y bienestar. Me motiva la posiblidad de contribuir a mejorar las relaciones interpersonales dentro de la ciudad y de generar espacios donde cada persona se sienta valorada y comprometida.
What skills or attributes can you
bring to this board or
commission?
-Empatia y escucha activa
-Comunicacion asertiva
-
Resolucion de conflictos
-Trabajo en equipo.
The primary role of a board or
commission member is to provide
advice to City Council on policy
issues that are within the scope
of the board or commission. What
steps would you take to
effectively exercise this specific
board or commission role?
Mi primer paso seria crear circulos de dialogos con diversos grupos o lideres de la ciudad para conocer sus opiniones y perspectivas sobre los temas de inclusion, equidad, diversidad y justicia social. Es importante escuchar y entender la vision que tienen los residentes de la ciudad respectos a estos temas.
Al finalizar cone estos circulos de dialogos es muy importante trabajar en colaboracion con los otros comisionados para fomentar estrategias que permitan crear un puente entre las falencias y soluciones equitativas e inclusivas para todos.
Education – List college degrees,
majors and any relevant training
or experience that demonstrates
your ability to effectively serve
on this board or commission.
-Ingeniera ambiental
-Tecnico en Administracion en Salud
-Diplomado en Sostenibilidad Ambiental
-Diplomado en Derecho Ambiental
-Diplomado en Sistema de Seguridad y Salud en el trabajo -Diplomado en Gestion Ambiental
-Curso de liderazgo con SCS y SV@Home
Betsy Gisell Ortega Florez
Describe your involvement in
community activities, volunteer
and civic organizations.
-Actualmente pertenezco a grupo de obra social de la iglesia Reconnection Church. Dentro de este grupo hacemos labores de ayuda a la comunidad hispanca, como donaciones de ropa en buenas condiciones, ayuda de comida y orientaciones a las personas que acaban de llegar.
-Miembro de los lideres de la Comunidad de SCS.
*Abogamos por nuestro vecinos mas vulnerables
*Representamos a nuestros vecinos mas vulnerables para
acrecentar la voz de la comunidad
*Apoyamos SCS en su mision de prevenir hambruna y falta de vivienda en la ciudad.
*Colaboramos con las escuelas en la creacion de espacios culturales y de diversificacion
*Apoyamos obras sociales en la ciudad.
-Voluntariado para capacitaciones financieras para la comunidad hispana.
Description Area The City has a Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials and an Attendance Policy (7.2.19), 2 G (II) that appointed members are required to follow.
Do you have any concerns related
to the above code and policy?
No
Are you willing to accept a
temporary appointment for the
remainder of an unexpired term?
Yes
Board or Commission-Specific Questions
Human Relations Commission
Category One: I'm a Sunnyvale
resident.
Yes
What do you think are major
equity challenges facing the
Sunnyvale community?
Uno de los mayores desafios que enfreta al ciudad es la falta de vivienda y el apoyo a las personas sin hogar. Aunque se han logrado avances en la ciudad, aun se necesita finalizar un albergue de emergencia para familias e individuos y establecer un sitio seguro de estacionamiento para personas que viven en sus vehiculos.
Betsy Gisell Ortega Florez
Describe your experience working
with historically marginalized
communities. How have your
actions benefited these
communities?
-La capacitacion financiera que ofrezco para la comunidad ha sido de gran ayuda para las personas de que enfrentan desafios financiaros diariamente. Informo a la comunidad de los diferentes recursos, metodos y beneficios financieros que les pueden facilitar las diferentes situaciones que enfrentan.
-Dentro del equipo de obra social de la iglesia a la que pertenezco, ayudamos a cualquier persona con articulos de necesidad basica, como ropa, comida e informacion que pueda ser util para ayudarles con los desafios que esten atravesando como salud, vivienda, inmigracion, empleo, etc.
-Como lider de la comunidad de SCS, hemos ayudado a la
comunidad mas vulnerable de Sunnyvale a traves de proyectos en conjunto como las ferias de recursos, obras sociales en el albergue de Sunnyvale, colaboracion con las escuelas y siendo voz y representacion de la comunidad latina del Norte de Sunnyvale ante el Concejo de la ciudad, las juntas de las escuelas, el Condado de Santa Clara, etc.
Sustainability Commission
Category One: I’m a Sunnyvale
resident.
Yes
Sustainability is a new and
emerging concern in many
communities. What do you think
are the primary sustainability
policy issues this commission will
be addressing over the next few
years?
Creo que la comisión se deberia centrar en algunos temas clave de sostenibilidad como la resiliencia climática. Creo que es el mas importante ya que a infraestructura local y nuestras comunidad puedan enfrentar eventos climáticos extremos y el aumento de las temperaturas.
Otro tema importante es hacer que la sostenibilidad sea más inclusiva. Eso significa garantizar que todas las personas, especialmente las comunidades más vulnerables, tengan acceso a energía limpia, transporte público asequible y viviendas saludables.
Y también está la gestión de los recursos: reducir los residuos, mejorar la eficiencia energética e hídrica, y apoyar iniciativas que realmente marquen la diferencia.
Description Area View the Climate Action Playbook
Have you read the above version
of the Climate Action Playbook?
Yes
Betsy Gisell Ortega Florez
What are your thoughts on the
Playbook? How might the actions
("Plays") be improved?
Sunnyvale ha demostrado liderazgo al establecer metas
ambiciosas a través del Climate Action Playbook y el Game Plan 2028. Sin embargo, hay áreas clave donde se puede fortalecer el plan para asegurar una implementación más efectiva, inclusiva y sostenible a largo plazo.
-Mayor enfoque en equidad y justicia ambiental.
- Metas claras y mecanismos de rendicion de cuentas
-Mejor la integracion cib ek uso del suelo y planificacion del transporte
-Preparacion para la Adaptacion y Resilencia Climatica. -Mayor participacion comunitaria y cambio de comportamiento -Aprovechar alianzas publico-privadas
-Garantizar el impulso despues del 2028
-
Demographic Information
Your age
Your gender
Description Area
LGBTQIA+ Identity
Race or Ethnicity (select all that
apply)
Do you speak a language other
than English?
Which languages?
Household Income
Residence - Are you a
Do you live in a
Do you have any other identities*
you would like to share with us?
Your Agreement
Betsy Gisell Ortega Florez
Description Area IMPORTANT NOTICE – READ BEFORE SIGNING:By selecting both “Yes” and “Submit Form” below I am adding my digital signature to this application. I am also agreeing with the following statements:All statements I have made on this application are true and correct.I authorize the City of Sunnyvale (City) to investigate the accuracy of this information.I release the City from all claims and liabilities arising from such investigation.I acknowledge that any false statement on this application will be grounds for the City to deny my appointment. A false statement discovered later, will be grounds to dismiss me from my appointment at any time.I acknowledge that any false statement on this application could lead to criminal charges. Charges could fall under California Penal Code, Section 115 or other applicable law.
I agree Yes
Your full name Betsy Gissell Ortega Florez
Date Apr 23, 2025
Betsy Gisell Ortega Florez
Betsy Gissell Ortega Florez
Translated Responses
Briefly describe what you learned by watching or attending a meeting of the City Council, board or commission. What improvements would you suggest? I have attended several City Council meetings. The last meeting I participated in was on December 10, 2024, when the implementation of a hotel for our homeless neighbors during extreme weather was discussed.
As a member of the Community Leaders of SCS, I supported this initiative, shared my arguments on the topic, and backed the various speeches presented by my peers and others who supported the cause.
What motivated you to apply for this board or commission? I am motivated to be part of the Human Resources Commission because I firmly believe in the power of dialogue, empathy, and respect as fundamental pillars to build a harmonious and collaborative environment. I believe I have the ability to actively listen, mediate in conflict situations, and promote a culture of inclusion and well-being. I am driven by the opportunity to contribute to improving interpersonal relationships within the city and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and engaged.
What skills or attributes can you bring to this board or commission? - Empathy and active listening
- Assertive communication
- Conflict resolution
- Teamwork
The primary role of a board or commission member is to provide advice to City Council on policy issues that are within the scope of the board or commission.
What steps would you take to effectively exercise this specific board or commission role?
My first step would be to create dialogue circles with diverse groups or community leaders in the city to gather their opinions and perspectives on inclusion, equity, diversity, and social justice. It is important to listen to and understand the vision that the city's residents have regarding these issues.
Once these dialogue circles are completed, it will be crucial to collaborate with other commissioners to develop strategies that create a bridge between the gaps and equitable, inclusive solutions for all.
Education – List college degrees, majors and any relevant training or experience that demonstrates your ability to effectively serve on this board or commission. - Environmental Engineer
- Health Administration Technician
- Diploma in Environmental Sustainability
- Diploma in Environmental Law
- Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Systems
- Diploma in Environmental Management
- Leadership Course with SCS and SV@Home
Betsy Gisell Ortega Florez
Describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations.
-- Currently part of the social work group at Reconnection Church. Within this group, we assist the Hispanic community through donations of gently used clothing, food aid, and guidance for newcomers.
-- Member of the Community Leaders of SCS.
- * Advocating for our most vulnerable neighbors
- * Representing our vulnerable neighbors to amplify the voice of the community - * Supporting SCS in its mission to prevent hunger and homelessness in the city - * Collaborating with schools to create cultural and diversity spaces - * Supporting social work initiatives in the city
-- Volunteer for financial training programs for the Hispanic community.
What do you think are major equity challenges facing the Sunnyvale community? One of the greatest challenges facing the city is the lack of housing and support for homeless individuals. While progress has been made, there is still a need to complete an emergency shelter for families and individuals, as well as establish a safe parking site for people living in their vehicles.
Describe your experience working with historically marginalized communities.
How have your actions benefited these communities?
- The financial training I offer to the community has been of great help to those facing daily financial challenges. I inform the community about the various resources, methods, and financial benefits that can ease the different situations they encounter.
- As part of the social work team at my church, we assist anyone in need of basic necessities, such as clothing, food, and useful information to help them with challenges they may be facing, including health, housing, immigration, employment, etc.
- As a leader in the SCS community, we have helped Sunnyvale's most vulnerable residents through joint projects such as resource fairs, social work at the Sunnyvale shelter, collaboration with schools, and serving as a voice and representative for the Latino community in North Sunnyvale before the City Council, school board meetings, Santa Clara County, and more.
Sustainability is a new and emerging concern in many communities. What do you think are the primary sustainability policy issues this commission will be addressing over the next few years?
I believe the commission should focus on key sustainability issues such as climate resilience. I consider this to be the most important, as it ensures that local infrastructure and our communities can withstand extreme weather events and rising temperatures.
Another important issue is making sustainability more inclusive. This means ensuring that all people, especially the most vulnerable communities, have access to clean energy, affordable public transportation, and healthy housing.
Additionally, there is resource management: reducing waste, improving energy and water efficiency, and supporting initiatives that truly make a difference.
Betsy Gisell Ortega Florez
What are your thoughts on the Playbook? How might the actions ("Plays") be improved?
Sunnyvale has demonstrated leadership by setting ambitious goals through the Climate Action Playbook and Game Plan 2028. However, there are key areas where the plan can be strengthened to ensure more effective, inclusive, and sustainable long-term implementation:
- Greater focus on equity and environmental justice
- Clear goals and accountability mechanisms
- Improved integration of land use and transportation planning - Preparation for climate adaptation and resilience
- Increased community participation and behavior change - Leveraging public-private partnerships
- Ensuring momentum after 2028
Betsy Gisell Ortega Florez