“I love my role because I am able to work in partnership with young people, together we accomplish great things.”

Samantha Ramirez joined Community Action Marin’s Board of Directors this past year. In addition to bringing her skill set of working with young people to the board, she also brings with her the personal journey and knowledge of what it’s like to be a person of color from a foreign country with limited financial means to successfully integrate into a predominantly wealthy, white society in Marin County.

Samantha is the daughter of immigrants from Central America. Her path has not always been easy and growing up alongside her peers in Marin was challenging. Today, she is still trying to improve her economic future for herself and her family, and to live and thrive in Marin which aligns with Community Action Marin’s vision and mission.

As a first-generation college graduate, Samantha has utilized her education and passion to work with youth and young people to facilitate programs that ensure better outcomes for their future. In her current role as a Senior Program Coordinator for the Youth Leadership Institute Marin County office, she is responsible for coordinating the Marin County Youth Commission programs for youth in Novato and San Rafael. Some of her accomplishments include holding a youth mental health summit and creating a student lounge at Hamilton in Novato. She is constantly inspired by her students and loves being able to mentor, support, and empower them personally and professionally. She puts it best by saying, “I love my role because I am able to work in partnership with young people, together we accomplish great things.”