Scarleth Lever Ortiz (she, her, ella) is a dedicated steward of social justice with over 15 years of local government experience in public housing and community development. She began her housing career in Chicago as a Special Projects Coordinator in the Housing Choice Voucher office at the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). She quickly advanced to Senior Advisor to the Chief of HCV, where she oversaw MTW activities, managed updates to the HCV Administrative Plan, and developed pilot programs for the department. Later in her 11 year tenure with CHA, Scarleth was the founding director of the Office of DEI, where she established programs and activities aimed at enhancing cultural competency, collaboration, and access, especially for underrepresented populations. In 2021 Scarleth moved to the King County Housing Authority (KCHA), appointed to a newly created role of Senior Vice President of EDI. Currently, she is the Senior Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Manager at King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks, where she supports 2,000 employees, drives systemic change, and advances equitable outcomes.  As a certified and proven DEI professional as well as a seasoned housing policy expert, Ms. Lever Ortiz brings a multi-faceted approach to KEES clients by ensuring a broad and equitable approach to all hiring, with a particular focus in public entities.

Scarleth holds a Master of Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from the University of Minnesota. She is a Certified Diversity Professional and has completed advanced training in adaptive leadership, racial equity, and mental health advocacy through programs such as Leadership Eastside, the Climate Reality Project, and Courageous Conversations About Race. 

Scarleth’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional roles. While in Chicago, she volunteered with organizations focused on youth mentorship, housing advocacy, and immigrant rights. Today, she serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Bothell and a board member for Eastside for All. A first-generation immigrant from Mexico City, Scarleth brings a global perspective and a deep passion for empowering communities to thrive.