Zuly: From Mission Techies to Mission Entrepreneur

A mother of two is turning her passion for technology into a new business on the Mission Street corridor.

Starting in April, Quetzal IT will offer a much-needed option for repairing devices like computers, cell phones, and video game consoles. Behind the venture, located at El Mercadito in Plaza Adelante, is Zuly Ortega — a skilled technician whose journey MEDA has proudly supported every step of the way.

“I repaired my first blender when I was 11,” says Zuly, who’s carrying on a family tradition that spans generations. “I’ve loved technology since I was a kid. My father was an electronics technician — he taught me to love this work.”

Zuly first connected with MEDA through the Mission Techies IT program, where she saw an opportunity to sharpen her technical skills and earn a CompTIA+ certification. It was also a personal challenge: the program was taught in English. Stepping outside her comfort zone, Zuly embraced the experience — gaining not only new knowledge, but also the confidence to take her next big step as a business owner.

“Through the Mission Techies IT program, Zuly earned certifications in both Google IT and CompTIA A+, equipping herself with the technical skills needed to thrive in the IT field,” says Marcela Trujano, MEDA’s Senior Workforce Coach and Technology Training Coordinator. But Zuly’s journey didn’t stop there. She applied everything she learned from financial literacy workshops to gain a deeper understanding of managing her finances, ultimately striving for financial freedom.

“My daughters are my inspiration,” says Zuly, who, after completing Mission Techies, enrolled in the How to Start a Business series offered by Fondo Adelante’s Business Development team. “I felt it was time to move forward [as a business owner], and I was excited to take the classes — I had zero experience in that area. Starting a business in the U.S. is a completely different process.”

In addition to repair services, Zuly also plans to give back to her community by offering free tech tutoring to those just starting out.

“Her business is all about closing the digital divide—through device repair, training in software and cybersecurity, and one-on-one mentorship—providing essential tools to those who lack technical know-how,” says Katie Beas-Madrigal, Fondo Adelante’s Mission Street Corridor Coordinator.

Interested in joining the Mission Techies IT?  Connect with us today to learn more. 

Want to become a business owner? Contact our Fondo Adelante team, we want to know your ideas.