As a well-spoken, connection-driven political science graduate from Middlesex College, Ivonne-Marie Ramos was a natural fit for this year’s Board of Trustees student representative. But Ramos, even with an impressive résumé, did not expect to be selected for the role.
“Alexis Delgado [EOF Dean of Student Success and Retention] wanted me to run for the position,” said Ramos. “He mentioned Melissa Ramos and Gabriella Grande, and I just said if you think I’d be good for the role, I’ll take your word for it.”
Each year, members of the Middlesex College graduating class recommend and vote on a graduating student to serve a one-year term to the Board of Trustees for the upcoming academic year. The student representative to the Middlesex College Board of Trustees is expected to participate in one Board meeting and one Board Committee meeting per month and attend several College functions during the year.
“I had the privilege of watching Ivonne-Marie Ramos grow as a leader during her time as a student at Middlesex College,” said Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “I know that she will bring her passion for cultural connection and community to her role as the Graduating Student Representative.”
Ramos broke out of her shell on campus by participating in various student organizations including becoming the president of French Club, secretary for the Organization of Latinx Unity, member of the Educational Opportunity Fund, and representative for the First-Generation Student Committee.
“If I went to a four-year [school] right out of high school, I would not have been able to accomplish what I had at Middlesex College,” said Ramos. “The bigger environment is very intimidating. It was much easier to find my way and soft-launch myself into higher education.”
She also participated in the highly competitive Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership New Jersey summer institute, with a glowing recommendation from her advisor Jenifer Olvera. Ramos shares that this experience helped her gain invaluable lessons and connections with women making their voice heard in the political realm.
“It was such a surreal experience to meet so many incredible women in government,” said Ramos. “It gave me a larger perspective about what can be accomplished.”
Ramos, who is currently studying political science and international global studies at Rutgers University, discovered her career path while learning French in high school. Growing up speaking Spanish and English, learning a new culture thrilled her.
“I enjoy connecting with people and learning about languages and cultures,” said Ramos. “I used to be very timid meeting new people. But getting involved on campus has gotten me more comfortable talking to people. I want to be able to help other students achieve that and feel more confident in their career paths.”
She hopes that in this new role she can help students find their voice on campus as she did.
“I feel like students here don’t take enough advantage of the countless resources available to them. There are so many programs that are looking for representation from two-year colleges and backgrounds like Middlesex College,” said Ramos. “Everyone is scared to apply because they think they won’t get in, but I’ve learned that’s exactly what these programs are looking for. Embrace being untraditional. Middlesex has really opened me up to the possibilities.”