Maria Ramirez
School Based Program Manager
Girls Inc. of Alameda County
Maria’s journey began with her commitment and dedication to her community. Maria grew up in a neighborhood that experienced many struggles and successes. As a first-generation college student, she began her work with the Unity Council as an AmeriCorps member. In this position Maria had the opportunity to work in the community she grew up in. As an AmeriCorps member she had many roles, from supporting people with job search to providing resources to small business owners around the neighborhood. Towards her last year of AmeriCorps, she led a community youth group in a program that exposed students to sports and resources available around their neighborhood and community. This role helped Maria realize the impact youth had by participating in a free program that allowed them to learn about their own community and to create positive relationships with peers and adults that support their success and believe in their potential. After this experience Maria knew she wanted to continue her work with youth and the out of school time.
Maria then began her work with Girls Inc. of Alameda County. She was a STEM program leader for girls in different schools around East Oakland. The dedication and commitment for the students allowed Maria to build relationships with families, students, school members and community members. With the support from Girls Inc. and her desire to learn, Maria moved into different roles within the organization. She went from direct service, site coordinator, special projects and compliance coordinator, to school-based program Manager. Through these 14 years with Girls Inc. Maria continues to grow and develop her strengths in discipline, arranger, learner, developer, and belief to support other adults in their work with youth. Through these years Maria has seen her student’s growth and share their appreciation for programs that provided them with tools and opportunities to express themselves and believe they can succeed. Not only has Maria connected with youth but also with the adults that work with the youth and share the same passion. These program leaders have become coordinators and continue to share their passion and dedication for serving youth in underserved communities during the out-of-school time. Maria values growth and learning, and sees potential in youth and adults that want to make a change. The following quote has stuck with her through the years:
““Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot uneducated the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.””