Lookin’ at U – Athena Ramos

Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee.

This week, we learn more about Athena Ramos, program coordinator for the Center for Reducing Health Disparities in the College of Public Health.

Athena Ramos

• Name: Athena Ramos
  
• Hometown: Bellevue, Neb.
  
• No. of years at UNMC: Five

Tell us a bit about what you do here at UNMC.

In any one day, I could meet with a community partner organization, write a grant, develop an article or meet with my team. I enjoy serving the Latino community and am an avid advocate for cultural and linguistic services, education and research. I’m passionate about my group’s mission, which is to develop solutions that promote equity and social justice in health and health care.

Working together is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group work together at UNMC.

My community engagement team works together seamlessly on several community-based projects, grants and collaborations. Because we’re the face of UNMC to many community groups, we strive to bring a sense of vitality to everything we do.

What is your favorite winter activity?

My favorite winter activity is snuggling up by the fireplace for a family movie with my husband, Jose, and my three kids, Jonathan, Nicholas and Italia. I love to sled and ice skate as well.

List three things people may not know about you.

• I love to read and my favorite author is Paulo Coelho. I’ve read about 10 of his books. I also love the theater and look forward to developing new visual art pieces in the future.
  
• I love 80s rock music – big hair bands like Poison, Bon Jovi, Guns ‘N Roses, Motley Crue, Skid Row and Def Leppard.
  
• I serve on the board of directors for Fontenelle Nature Association and Justice for Our Neighbors, a local nonprofit that provides high quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy. I also was appointed by Mayor Jim Suttle to serve on the City of Omaha Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.