Carla Portillo

Carla is a vibrant, dedicated individual who has devoted her heart to empowering her community through various roles. After earning a degree in Advertising with a Minor in Sport Communication from West Virginia University in 2017, Carla has contributed to the digital marketing efforts of diverse industries while pursuing her passion for playing professional soccer abroad. 

In 2020, Carla joined Jake’s House, where she has been instrumental in executing impactful marketing campaigns. Her work emphasizes highlighting the stories and experiences of families, expanding the organization’s reach to help new families, and ensuring intersectionality across all platforms and channels. She has also plays a key role in planning and executing Jake’s House events throughout the year. Above all, Carla treasures the meaningful connections she forms with individuals and their families, striving to empower them both in-person through programming, and in Jake’s House content. 

Beyond her role at Jake’s House, Carla dedicates her time as the Part-Time Program Manager of Development & Competitive Girls and Women at Toronto High Park FC. In this position, she oversees U8 to adult programming and mentors both coaching staff and players across all teams. 

With her professional soccer experience in France, Italy and Sweden, D1 Scholarship at West Virginia University and youth Canadian National team experience, as well as overcoming an ACL surgery, Carla brings a wealth of experience to her mentorship endeavours. She is committed to empowering young girls and women in sports and has made an impact serving as a REAL Role Model with Fast and Female, most recently with “Girl Jam” with Girl Guides of Canada and “Removing Barriers to Keep Self-Identified Girls in Sports” Program at MLSE Launchpad. She was also a mentor at NXGN and has been a guest speaker to local soccer clubs and several podcasts/interviews.