Robert Ortiz Archila

Robert Ortiz Archila (he, him, El), is originally from Bell, California. Robert served in the U.S.  Army as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A purple heart was awarded to Robert after he was wounded in combat, and because of his injuries he was honorably discharged. His transition to civilian life proved difficult. After recovering from alcohol addiction, homelessness and incarceration, Robert set out to pave a new path  for himself by entering and successfully completing a recovery program from Loma Linda  VA (Veterans Affairs) Hospital. Soon after, Robert enrolled at San Bernardino Valley College where he earned an Aeronautics degree with honorary distinctions (Summa Cum Laude). Robert transferred to California State University Fullerton where he earned a bachelor’s  degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in ChicanX studies.

His journey continues at Cal State Long Beach, where he is working on his Master’s of  Science Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Student Development in Higher  Education. Robert serves as the new addition to Project Rebound Cal State LA (Los Angeles) staff. His dedication to the reentry community continues as he supports participants leaving  CIW (California Institute for Women) (California Institute for Women)/ CSP Lancaster. His  values include equity, diversity, inclusion, social justice, and the value of academic grit. His  hobbies include Off-Roading and flying Cessna Airplanes. Robert currently lives with his  wife in SoCal and is eager to begin his Ph.D. program.