Biography
Alfred Ramirez is president of the National Community for Latino Leadership, Inc (NCLL). NCLL is a coalition of local and national leadership development programs that promotes the social, cultural, and economic advancement of the Latino community through collaboration, research, and dissemination of knowledge. Its efforts are made possible through grants from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Ford Foundation. As president, Mr. Ramirez is responsible for the 1999-2000 strategic plan for fiscal policy, budget management, fund development, internal and external relations, research, programs, and staff development.

Mr. Ramirez has served in various leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. Prior to his current work with NCLL, Mr. Ramirez was the Executive Director of the Institute for Educational Leadership initiative Hand in Hand, Parents, Schools and Communities United for Kids. Before that, as president of the 2000 Regional Partnership, Mr. Ramirez led the efforts of this non-profit coalition in the areas of public safety, housing, environmental growth and government accountability. Mr. Ramirez was also the managing director for Inroads Los Angeles, where he trained and developed young minority leaders. He has worked as a human resource specialist, a corporate recruiter and a special assistant to former San Antonio mayor Henry Cisneros. He began his professional life as faculty adviser and assistant director of admissions and minority recruitment at Columbia University.

Mr. Ramirez has held several White House appointments. He was named Special Assistant to the President and Associate Director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. He later served as Senior Advisor at the Corporation for National Service and Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.

His commitment to national and community development has been recognized throughout the country. He has received several prestigious awards: the National Council of Educational Opportunity Associations Distinguished Alumnus Award, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's National Leadership Fellowship, National Urban Fellowship, 1989 National Network of Hispanic Women Award, and recognition as one of Hispanic Business Magazine's 100 Influentials.

Mr. Ramirez has been an adviser and board member for a number of organizations including the Urban Excellence Advisory Group, National Civic League, Alliance for Redesigning Government, the Ethnic Coalition, Rebuild Los AngelesÕ Racial Harmony and Discourse Committee, and the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. His areas of expertise include leadership, multiculturalism, communication, professional development, strategic planning, education and public policy. Mr. Ramirez frequently speaks and conducts workshops at leadership conferences, businesses and universities nationwide. Mentoring plays a large role in all of his activities.

Mr. Ramirez earned a B.A. in Political Science and Urban Studies from Columbia University in New York and undertook graduate studies in Public Administration at Bernard M. Baruch College, City University of New York. Mr. Ramirez is originally from East Los Angeles, California and currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Mission Statement
I have a dream and passion to create change and to impact entire communities. Everything I do is related to this mission. I take action against classism, sexism, ageism, phobias and discrimination against individuals and groups. I devote my life's work to eliminating these negative elements in our society.

• Compromise, but not on my ethics, morals and standards.
• Be consistent in my public life and private life.
• Be honest with myself and others.
• Avoid rumor.
• Be patient with myself and others.
• Be sensitive and perceptive.
• Do things for the greater good, not for selfish gain.
• Do not expect recognition for my accomplishments.
• Constantly seek knowledge and excellence.
• Share knowledge and experience.
• Teach others to teach.
• Have a broad vision and act on my dreams.
• Be bold and fearless within reason.
• Know history and respect tradition.
• Know when to question authority.
• Avoid thinking and speaking in absolutes.
• Be flexible.
• Be creative.
• There is no such thing as failure.

To the best of my ability, I try to be all of these things and I am constantly looking to join others with whom I can share, refine and acquire skills and experience. I have been blessed with many opportunities to act on my convictions and to make a difference for others.