Liz Ramírez is the CEO of The Chicano Federation, an organization that cultivates opportunities and advocates for families and individuals in San Diego for a more equitable community. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, she serves and leads movements that support equity and justice for marginalized communities, including children and families. Liz received a Master’s degree in educational counseling to address equity gaps in education affecting historically underserved youth.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [1:46] Liz Ramírez shares her background as an immigrant on the border in the Imperial Valley
- [3:35] The influence of Liz’s parents and teachers on her educational and professional pursuits
- [11:34] How Liz connected with a Latino student community while in college
- [14:40] The Chicano Federation’s mission and community service efforts
- [23:33] Liz’s experience becoming the CEO of The Chicano Federation
- [30:50] How The Chicano Federation encouraged Latino populations to vote during the election
- [34:57] Liz talks about The Chicano Federation’s Leadership Training Institute
- [40:35] Advice for young Latinas to become involved in public service efforts
In this episode…
For first-generation Latino immigrants, the path to community service, equal representation, and justice can seem daunting. With opportunities seemingly scarce for this population, how can you become a recognized figure and advocate in your community?
With a drive for community service and leadership education for low-income communities, Liz Ramírez left her immigrant community to pursue an education. She initially struggled to connect with the student population before discovering a community for first-generation Latino college students and developing a passion for supporting underserved communities. Although unsure of her ability to lead Latino populations, Liz overcame her fear of failure to champion her community. She emphasizes the value of representative leadership and encourages Latino changemakers to embrace their heritage and be authentic.
In today’s episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez interviews Liz Ramírez, the CEO of The Chicano Federation, about her rise to leadership. Liz talks about The Chicano Federation’s programs and community service efforts, how her parents and teachers influenced her educational and professional journeys, and how to become involved in public service efforts.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- John Gomez on LinkedIn
- Gomez Trial Attorneys: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
- Liz Ramírez on LinkedIn
- The Chicano Federation
Quotable Moments:
- “Education was the key to breaking barriers; my parents taught me that from a young age.”
- “If there’s not a table for us, create a table and bring other people with you.”
- “I was more scared of Chicano Federation landing in the wrong hands than I was afraid of failing.”
- “Your Latinidad is your superpower; show up as your authentic self.”
- “We still need to continue to advocate for our Latino community; there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Action Steps:
- Engage in grassroots community work: Volunteering for organizations like The Chicano Federation can provide firsthand experience in community needs and resources. This involvement addresses the challenge of community trust and builds relationships crucial for effective advocacy.
- Pursue leadership training programs: Enroll in leadership programs like The Chicano Federation’s Leadership Training Institute, which focuses on building Latino leaders. This equips individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle systemic inequities in education and other sectors.
- Foster holistic support networks: Develop and participate in initiatives that provide multifaceted support to families, such as those encompassing affordable housing, childcare, and workforce development. This approach directly addresses the lack of resources that many community members face.
- Advocate for policy change: Engage in advocacy efforts to influence policies that affect Latino communities, particularly in areas like education and immigration law. This action is effective in addressing systemic barriers and creating long-term change.
- Build and maintain community connections: Actively seek mentors and peer networks that reflect your community and professional aspirations. Connecting with others who share similar backgrounds and goals provides encouragement and resources to overcome challenges in professional and personal development.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by Gomez Trial Attorneys, a personal injury law firm based in San Diego.
Award-winning attorney John Gomez developed a nationally recognized legal team that goes above and beyond for injured clients.
With numerous designations, distinctions, and top-notch resources, we have what it takes to fight and win against major corporations.
For a free case evaluation, visit https://www.thegomezfirm.com/contact/.