Kathy Ramirez

• What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?

Being a first generation college graduate means continuously advocating for myself whether that would be taking advantage of all of the opportunities and having the ambition to learn while representing generations of sacrifice. You are constantly learning everyday about your aspirations, strengths, and how to become independent because of your challenges and triumphs.

• What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?

My proudest moment from my time at UCSD is being accepted into the UCDC program and interning at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), a non-profit organization with their Race, Wealth and Community division under their advocacy program. Throughout my internship I became a co-author for two op-eds with my supervisor Dedrick Asante-Muhammad “Racial Wealth Snapshot: American Indians/Native Americans” and “The Economic Reality of Native Americans And The Need For Immediate Repair”. As a young Latinx person and daughter of immigrants, this accomplishment contributed to having my family and my sacrifices validated.

• Who are the family members, friends or loved ones who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

To my family, friends and loved ones. This degree is ours.

I am beyond grateful for the endless support I have received from my parents who migrated from Mexico to the U.S with the intent of giving my sisters and I an opportunity to pursue higher education. I would also like to thank my older sisters who have been role models for me. All of the friends I’ve made throughout these four years, I am appreciated for all the memories and wisdom you have given me. My community in South Central Los Angeles, I am humbled and motivated to have you all rooting for me every step of the way throughout my college journey.

I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish everything in my time at UCSD without all of you.

• Who are the staff, faculty or mentors who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

There are a number of individuals from faculty, mentors and professors that have influenced me throughout my college journey. First off the Student Success Coaching Program and mentor Alison Herr, that have provided me with the space and resources to learn more about myself and what I am capable of.

Secondly faculty-mentor Zoltan L. Hajnal at the School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) that has supported and guided me with my public service project under the Triton Research and Experiential Learning Scholars (TRELS).

Third, my coordinator Dr. Kirsten Kung and faculty mentor Dr. Shana Cohen for the UC Scholars Program for guiding me through the process of developing my research project and providing me with the opportunity to present my research on Autism Spectrum Disorder among border communities at the universities research conference.

Fourth, Haley Lomax who was coordinator of Student Activities at John Muir College thank you for encouraging me to become involved with campus organizations. Lastly but not least, all of the professors and teaching assistants I interacted with throughout my undergraduate career for providing me with the tools to succeed.

• What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?

I plan on pursuing a career in public service, where I am committed to crafting public policy that increases equity for underprivileged communities that include but not limited to improving the design of standardized assessments to fairly represent students' knowledge and promotes affordable housing. In my journey to achieving my long-term goals I hope to receive more experience in the nonprofit, education sector and expand my knowledge on data analysis after my undergraduate career in order to gain better insight of what subject I’d like to study in graduate school.

Campus Affiliations

Campus Involvement

• Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity- Philanthropy Chair

• Triton Research & Experimental Learning Scholar Recipient

• Student Success Coaching Program- Peer Coach

• Muir Volunteer Program- Fundraising Chair

• UC Scholars Program Recipient

• Muir Organizing Board- Member

Student Retention & Success Programs

• Student Success Coaching Program

• Academic Enrichment Programs - TRELS

Cultural and Resource Centers

• Raza Resource Centro