SE2 is thrilled to welcome our newest associate, Jennifer Ramos, who brings deep experience in community engagement and will support our SE2 PowerMap strategies to drive positive change. Jennifer answers three questions about what has shaped who she is and how she approaches her work.
How did your upbringing shape who you are today?
I grew up in Adams County, just north of Denver. My family immigrated from Mexico, and as the oldest daughter, I was raised to be comfortable with responsibility and to take care of others. That shaped me because I feel accountable for others’ well-being. I carry those values with me every day; they shape how I show up, not only in my career but also in my personal life.
What motivates you at SE2?
I am motivated to make change through causes because of my upbringing and my heritage as a first-generation Mexican American. Despite having a good childhood, I realized there were opportunities and resources that were not accessible to me. Systems were not set up equitably. If someone like me, who had grown up with reasonable means, had missed certain opportunities, I could not even imagine what that meant for people who had grown up with fewer resources. That is what feeds my internal fire — the realization that not everyone is getting the same shot. My personal experience is woven into my work, and that is why I put my heart into recognizing the stories of community members and elevating their power.
When you’re not driving social change at work, what energizes you?
I am energized by the community. To me, community is a group of people that is connected by shared values and goals. Community does not have one singular look in my world. It can look like my friends, my family, my Pilates class, or my book club. I am energized by the feeling of belonging to something bigger than myself, while also being able to share it with others.
