Carmelita Ramirez, B.A.
Administrative Coordinator and Executive Assistant to Dr. Aguilar-Gaxiola
Carmelita Ramirez joined the Center for Reducing Health Disparities in 2022 and is the Center’s Administrative Coordinator and Executive Assistant to Dr. Aguilar-Gaxiola the Center’s Director.
As a first-generation college student, Carmelita obtained her B.A. in Sociology from San José State University in 2014 and minored in Mexican American Studies and Spanish. While working for the Elementary Education Department she worked to increase outreach and recruitment for the Spanish Bilingual Credential program by tapping into Latino-based organizations in and around San José. Upon graduation, she was accepted into the Spanish Ministry of Education’s North American Language and Culture Program where she developed and facilitated language and culture classes in Léon, Spain.
Carmelita’s experience spans several sectors including healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and education. In her recent work with MOVE IT UP (Mobilizing Organizations Via Equitable Immunizations and Testing through Unified Partnerships) she developed and maintained relationships with various community-based organizations, churches, schools, businesses, and local non-profit organizations to help address vaccine hesitancy and increase clinic outreach and engagement. Additionally, as a small business owner, Carmelita partnered with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to further increase the program’s reach and engagement. The project ultimately improved COVID-19 testing access and provided vaccines to over 6,000 patients among underserved populations in Sacramento and Yolo counties. She also has expertise in human resource practices and benefit administration.
Having experienced healthcare disparities first-hand, Carmelita developed a passion for advocating for communities historically disenfranchised and underserved. Carmelita aspires to continue working towards addressing the social determinants of health and achieving health equity for all.
Carmelita greatly enjoys being a Tía to her niece, Luna Sofia, and in her free time, she can be found roller-skating, reading, and trying out new cooking recipes.