36-year-old songwriter brings her musical dreams to life with contributions from Grammy Award Winning Singer Stephanie Mills
BROOKLYN, N.Y., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a powerful celebration of creativity, determination, and the limitless possibilities of the human spirit, 36-year-old Brooklyn native Amanda Ortiz born with Down Syndrome is making her musical debut with the release of Dear Amanda, an original album featuring songs written by Ortiz, with contributions from legendary American singer and songwriter Stephanie Mills.
“Amanda is just a wonderful spirit and it’s just amazing that she wrote these beautiful songs. I was on board with this project immediately. I’m raising a child with special needs. My son is 25 now, but I never bought into his disabilities. I think these children are very special,” said Grammy Award Winning Singer Stephanie Mills.
In celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Dear Amanda is a testament to the power of perseverance and the audacity to follow your dreams. “Have faith in yourself, be brave and have the confidence to achieve your life long dreams,” says Amanda Ortiz who wrote the songs after completing online courses at the College of Adaptive Arts in California.
Born with down syndrome, Amanda has always been interested in performing largely in part to her grandmother’s love of jazz music. Her music is deeply personal and rooted in family influence. Writing and performing is something her grandmother instilled in her early on as a way to help Amanda reconnect with her Hispanic-Italian heritage.
“She loves learning new things. Ever since she took this song writing class, she exploded,” said Amanda’s mom Linda Mandracchia. “This is beyond anything I would have expected. I didn’t know anything like this would happen. Amanda just said she wants to be in the music business so this is all a surprise to me.”
Amanda writes across a wide range of styles and themes, including jazz, Latin, pop, soul, blues, and country, with songs centered on love, grief, nature, joy, seasons , color, music, and dance—all expressed in her own voice.
The album was executive produced by musical composer Ira Antelis, best known for producing music for commercials, records, theater, movies, etc. Antelis has worked with such artists as Marc Anthony, Patti La Belle Christina Aguilera and B.B. King.
“I think Amanda is an inspiration. The whole idea of people pursuing their dreams is why I was inspired to help bring this project to life,” said Ira Antelis.
At a time when conversations surrounding inclusion and representation are more important than ever, Ortiz is helping redefine what is possible for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To schedule an interview with Amanda Ortiz and Stephanie Mills:
Contact:
Rubye Lane
773.910.6902
Mustard Seed Vision
rubye@mustardseedvision.com
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SOURCE Amanda Ortiz
