The Pasqual Maragall Foundation has appointed Laia Ortiz as the new Director of the Social Area, with the mission of leading this area and directing the future strategy, promoting its development and the implementation of new lines and programs. In addition, she will be responsible for establishing frameworks for relations with the public administration and the various actors in the sector.
The Social Area of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation responds to the entity's strategic objective of changing the social perception of Alzheimer's. For this reason, it works to raise awareness of the effects and impact of the disease and leads activities to support and improve the quality of life of affected people, through face-to-face and online support groups. With the incorporation of Laia Ortiz, this key area in the entity is strengthened to promote new activities and programs and establish new alliances.
Laia Ortiz has highlighted the fact that ageing is one of the main social challenges and that Alzheimer's affects more than 10% of the population over 80 years of age. Therefore, “It is imperative to address its social impact, considering appropriate support for those affected and their environment.” In addition, the new Director of the Social Area has highlighted that “We need to rethink existing services to focus on care and people, expanding resources and innovating in the support offered. Being part of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation team and contributing to improving the lives of these thousands of families is a personal and professional challenge that I am extremely excited about.”
Laia Ortiz has a degree in Political Science and Administration from Pompeu Fabra University and has extensive knowledge of the social sector and experience in management, promoting new models of home care and designing innovative, flexible residential services in cohabitation units. She was Deputy Mayor for Social Rights of the Barcelona City Council from 2015 to 2019 and a Member of the Congress of Deputies and the Parliament of Catalonia. In her most recent stage, she was Director of Social Action at the Prat de Llobregat City Council.
