Last updated on: January 22, 2025

Maria Burns-Ortiz is not only the sister of famous UFC champion and WWE superstar Ronda Rousey, but she is also a talented and accomplished professional in her own right. Maria has built an impressive career as a journalist, author, and entrepreneur. Let’s take a closer look at her life, career, and the impact she has made in various fields.

Quick Facts About Maria Burns-Ortiz

Early Life and Education

Maria Burns-Ortiz spent most of her early life living with a parent that was involved both in great feats of athletics as well as the pursuit of academic excellence, both of her mother, a judo champion, AnnMaria DeMars, and of course, her younger sister, whom in later years is famous for creating some of the best sports feats that the entire world has even come to celebrate.

Maria attended New York University (NYU), where she graduated cum laude with a degree in Journalism in 2003. While at NYU, Maria stood out as a dedicated student. She was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha National Journalism Honor Society and also pursued minors in Creative Writing and Latin American Studies. This academic achievement set the stage for her successful career in media and storytelling.

Journalism Career

Her career in journalism actually started immediately after college. Maria worked with major publications like ESPN.com on varied sports-related subjects. It didn’t take her long before the industry started recognizing her hard work and talent. She received the National Association of Hispanic Journalists’ Emerging Journalist of the Year award for the same reason.

Maria’s writing didn’t just focus on sports. Her work explored the intersection of culture, identity, and society, which helped her stand out in the competitive world of journalism. She earned praise for her insightful commentary and ability to tell meaningful stories. Her work made a positive impact on many readers, especially those who valued diverse voices in sports media.

Co-Author of “My Fight / Your Fight”

One of the most notable achievements in Maria Burns-Ortiz’s career is her role in co-authoring the memoir My Fight/Your Fight with her sister, Ronda Rousey. The book, which tells the story of Ronda’s rise to fame in sports, became a New York Times bestseller. It was translated into nine languages and received praise worldwide.

The book offered an inside look at Ronda’s struggles, victories, and journey to the top. Maria’s writing helped share her sister’s story in a personal and relatable way. The memoir not only became a hit among sports fans but also inspired readers who admired Ronda’s resilience and determination.

Entrepreneurship and 7 Generation Games

She is also an entrepreneur, besides journalism and writing. In 2014, she founded 7 Generation Games, which is an educational technology company that creates educational video games focused on teaching math to underserved communities, especially Native American and Latino students.

7 Generation Games is more than just teaching math. The company closes the education gap by using historical accuracy so that people can learn about culture and history. Maria’s work at 7 Generation Games brought her several recognitions and praises, including making it to the Forbes’ list of Next 1000 in 2021.

Personal Life

Maria Burns-Ortiz is also a devoted wife and mother. She resides in Minneapolis with her husband, Eric Ortiz, and their three children. Maria balances her busy career with her family life, despite her thousands of daily duties. Her family was always part of the journey, and she continues to support her sister Ronda through all her stages of life.

Maria has been a steady source of support for Ronda, especially during difficult times. When Ronda faced setbacks, like her loss to Holly Holm in 2015, Maria was there to offer comfort and encouragement. She was vocal about how the public treated Ronda during that challenging time and has always stood by her sister.

READ ALSO: Ronda Rousey Net worth, Age, Husband, Family, Facts & More

Recognition and Achievements

Maria Burns-Ortiz received numerous awards over the years in her career. She was identified as one of the 100 most influential people of Hispanics in Massachusetts, and other honors included those on journalism and education. She also promotes women in sport and education; she is out there to influence a better life anywhere she goes.

Maria’s efforts to improve education through technology, along with her support for Ronda, continue to make her a role model for many. She is someone who not only excels in her career but also remains committed to making a difference in the world.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com