From the president
Rooted in transformative experiences, J Ramirez's advocacy journey began with confronting political discrepancies and has since evolved into a passion for social justice and civic engagement. Through her involvement in the Bonner Scholars program and ALANA Scholars program, J has demonstrated a deep understanding of marginalized communities' experiences and a dedication to serving the most vulnerable. Her creative approach as a Design Major has resulted in tangible contributions to organizations supporting the homeless population. Recognizing the intersection of politics and community engagement, J prioritizes effective leadership and collaboration to drive social change.
Personal Statement
Racial inequality and politics have been on the forefront of my mind since childhood. At 7, I experienced my first racially motivated encounter, when someone in a red pickup truck hurled racial slurs and a soda can at me while walking home with my mom. This prompted a crucial conversation about racism with her. Eight years later, I addressed politicians running for senator office, advocating to eliminate section 287(g), an agreement allowing police to act as immigration officers. Despite their initial agreement, the eventual officeholder broke the promise and supported 287(g), claiming it protected Tennesseans. Since then, I've been actively involved in numerous protests and initiatives aimed at combating racial inequality. My outspokenness has garnered recognition from my professors, leading to invitations to participate in forums addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion on my college campus. These discussions have delved into the experiences of people of color in predominantly white educational environments, as well as proposing minor changes our college can implement to challenge racial inadequacies.