Moonlighting. It doesn’t have the bad rap it used to. Today people find ways to make a living and make a life.
Moonlighting is our series about the radically interdisciplinary lives of Lehigh alumni who are successful in two professional areas, and where a secondary “job” is primarily fun and fulfilling.
In this edition, we meet a media literacy speaker who also runs a popular restaurant.
Elizabeth Ortiz ’25 Ph.D.’s journey has been anything but conventional. As a doctoral student, a sought-after speaker on media literacy, and the owner of a thriving restaurant, she has managed to weave together a career in academia with the demands of small business ownership.
A Passion for Media Literacy
Ortiz’s academic career spans decades. She received a bachelor’s degree in communication from Cedar Crest College, then earned master’s degrees at Syracuse University (media studies) and Cabrini University (education). The focus of her doctoral work is teaching, learning, and technology, with a sub-specialty in gender and sexuality.
Ortiz spent 19 years on the faculty at Cedar Crest College, where she taught communications, before pursuing her Ph.D. in 2017. She was making steady progress on her dissertation when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing many people — including Ortiz — to reassess their priorities and careers.
As she shifted her focus to completing her doctoral work, Ortiz sought a way to supplement her family’s income. Drawing on her expertise in media studies, she began giving talks to both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, covering topics ranging from the way children engage with media to the role of social media in shaping identities. A significant portion of her work focuses on teaching parents and children the importance of media literacy.
“Media literacy education has become essential in today’s world, especially for young people,” Ortiz says. “Children spend so much time with media, but there is often no formal training on how to engage with it critically. My goal is to help them think about media in a more informed and balanced way.”
Through her work with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations, Ortiz advocates for the responsible use of media, particularly social media. She encourages using platforms not just for entertainment, but for creating positive connections.
The Birth of Cactus Blue
While Ortiz was carving out a name for herself in academia and media literacy education, another adventure was quietly brewing. In 2003, Ortiz and her husband, Adam Gangewere, decided to open a restaurant. At the time, Gangewere was an executive chef at Air Products, and owning a restaurant was something he had long dreamed of. Liz was initially skeptical.
“When Adam first called me and suggested we open a restaurant, I thought he was joking. I actually hung up on him!” she laughs. “But as we talked more seriously about it, I saw that this could work. We decided to go for it.”
With the help of Lehigh’s Small Business Development Center, the couple created a comprehensive business plan, budget, and marketing strategy. Armed with a clear vision and the tools to make it a reality, they opened Cactus Blue in a former hot pink hair salon on Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem. Their first few months were a leap of faith, with limited marketing beyond word of mouth and local media coverage.
Despite the challenges, Cactus Blue quickly became a local favorite. The couple worked tirelessly — renovating the space, managing the business, and raising their young family. It was a long road, but the restaurant began to thrive. Over the next two decades, Cactus Blue would become a staple in the community, known for its delicious Mexican food, welcoming atmosphere, and community involvement.
A New Chapter: Relocation and Reinvention
In 2022, after nearly 20 years in Bethlehem, Cactus Blue relocated to a space in Emmaus. The move was prompted by both practical commuting considerations and the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdown, the restaurant had shifted to takeout and delivery, and when it came time to reopen, they realized it was the perfect opportunity to rethink their service model.
The Emmaus location allowed the restaurant to streamline operations and offer a new service style, including stations where customers could place their orders and food would be delivered to their table. The new space also enabled them to expand their catering business, with two food trucks serving events like weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings. The move has proven successful, allowing Cactus Blue to continue serving the community in new and exciting ways.
Giving Back: A Commitment to Community
From the very beginning, Ortiz and Gangewere have believed in giving back to the community that has supported their business. Cactus Blue has partnered with various local organizations, providing catering for fundraisers, donating gift cards for silent auctions, and sponsoring school sports teams. Ortiz is also active on the foundation board for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Allentown and is involved with the Kindness Project, which supports foster families in the area.
“It’s not just about running a successful business. It’s about being part of the community and giving back to the people who have supported us over the years,” Ortiz says.
Finding Balance
Ortiz’s life may seem like a juggling act, but she’s learned how to balance her roles as a scholar, speaker, and restaurateur with being a mother to three busy daughters.
“I never imagined that my path would take me here, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” she says. “The work I do in education is just as rewarding as running a restaurant. Both have taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, community, and the power of connection.”
