Elizabeth Ortiz
By day, Elizabeth commands the road as a professional 18-wheeler truck driver — a role she has proudly held for over two decades. Her journey spans thousands of miles across the country, fueled by discipline, focus, and an unwavering work ethic.
But off the road, Elizabeth’s hands trade the wheel for a crochet hook. What began as a personal hobby rooted in love for her family has grown into a deeper artistic practice. She spends her evenings and weekends designing and handcrafting custom pieces for friends, family, and community causes — all stitched with care, creativity, and meaning.
Born and raised in Ecuador, Elizabeth was deeply influenced by the Indigenous artisans of her youth, whose handwoven works were more than just objects — they were symbols of heritage, patience, and pride. Today, she honors that tradition in every piece she creates, weaving together cultural memory with a modern mission to educate, connect, and inspire through craft.
Elizabeth is the artist behind Crochet For Change — a platform where art and purpose meet. She believes that handmade work, no matter how small, has the power to spark joy, tell stories, and even plant the seeds of change.
Elizabeth’s artistic and professional paths have grown side by side.
Elizabeth picked up a crochet hook for the first time after the birth of her eldest son, discovering a quiet but powerful way to express her creativity. Around that same time, she also began her career in the trucking industry — a bold move into a male-dominated field where she now holds over 20 years of experience. Both journeys reflect her strength, precision, and care — whether behind the wheel or behind each stitch.