INTERVIEW # 9: FEATURING JUMIRNA ALCOBER RAMIREZ

A child of Washington Heights and ambition, Jumirna Alcober Ramirez has accomplished more than many. She earned a master’s degree at 23 years old, organized her community around the state, conducted academic presentations, wrote papers, organized & joined demonstrations, and gave interviews, and “Jumie”, as her close friends call her is just getting started.

She earned her bachelor’s degree at Buffalo State. As a student leader, and later, as President of Adelante Estudientes Latino (AEL), she was the center of a universe — both locally and statewide. “Go ask Jumie?” was often muttered amongst the students.  Jumirna and others did well in holding up the legacy of on-campus civil rights advocacy and leadership, which began during my father’s era, and earlier by other AEL members. The Latino student voice is so important in Higher Ed, where today the percentage of Latino professors hovers around 4% percent.  From its inception, the Civil Rights Movement was fueled by young leaders like Jumie. 

She went on to attend Medaille College, where she earned her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership in only a year. Only a sliver of the national Latina population will go where Jumirma has gone, gain knowledge, and bring it back to their communities. 

After graduate school, she became further involved in community activism, bringing issues and ideas to the forefront in a substantial way, and using her lived experience to make the messaging of those ideas relevant and spur action. She campaigns, participates, and shows up for her people; that is one of the reasons she is just so breathtaking; she is fully present. She is on the cutting edge of progress – spending the summer working on a local political campaign – Uptown for Angela, when nationally only 1% of public officials in America are Latino. More specifically in New York, Latinos make up about 19% of the population, and only 9% of all New York state lawmakers are Latino.

I have a feeling Jumie and her colleagues may do something about that. Her leadership transcends her neighborhood, her borough, her city, her region. She is truly statewide. With a national and international network that extends well past Washington Heights, Jumie brings Washington Heights with her, specifically its energy – even to Buffalo.

In her interview, she says: “People remember how you made them feel, so treat others how you want to be treated, even when they don’t deserve your kindness.”

The Interview:

Learning about Jumirna and her journey will give you an opportunity to get a good glimpse of the future. The future’s leadership in this country belongs to Jumirna, and to women like her.

1. Where you raise and what values were taught to you?  I was raised in Azua, Dominican Republic and Washington Heights, NYC. Growing up and still relevant today, my family instilled within me and my sister to value education, especially in the United States. Your knowledge, experience, and credentials are things people cannot take away from you. Dedication, productivity, and commitment to responsibilities were also values that were taught to me. These values have helped me maintain optimism throughout challenging times and build me into a better leader. To this day, these values are still highly embedded in me. I try to bring these values into the teams I lead and create a culture where everyone can grow together.

What was your experience as a student? As a first-generation Afro-Latina, my experience as a student was unique. Many times, I felt like my identity was confusing to many people and I did not know where I would be embraced the most. I also did not see myself represented in roles of leadership or many roles in general. When I was younger, I was embarrassed to ask questions because I felt I would delay everyone else in the room. As I matured and realized how much of an effect not asking questions was having on me, I then decided to change. I became more vocal and expressive. Through the guidance and support I received from the mentors I have had throughout my time in school, I learned the importance of using my voice. Once I became aware of the power of my voice and the power I held as a student, I started to use that to advocate for underrepresented students across the board.

1. When did you start working/what was your first job?  My first job was assisting my parents clean a local pre-school. I would wipe down shelves, tables, toys, and things of that sort. I did not like it because there were these big glass windows around the business that people can see directly through, so I was embarrassed that someone I know may see me. I did not want people to know that’s how my family made money. I did not want people to see me and my family “struggle”. It was a learning experience at the end of everything. Through this maintenance job, my sister who also cleaned with us, later got hired as a teacher then promoted to lead teacher. There she found her interest in early education and children’s development.

1. What is your theory on human potential? I don’t necessarily have a theory on human potential. I see potential as something people build within themselves. I cannot say who has the potential to do what, because I feel it comes from internal drive. However, as an external factor I try my best to uplift people and help individuals find and or embrace their unique qualities, goals, and interests. I use my identity to help inspire others.

1. What advice do you have to educators today?  My advice to educators today would be to evaluate your whys. Across the country I feel educators are undervalued, especially those who are genuine and prioritize the wellness of the students/learners. Education is not as easy as it may seem, a lot goes into play. Now with modernization and technological advancements, educators have strategies to maximize the usage of that as well.  Educators should know the value they bring and the impact they have on lives directly. When you (educators) need a break, please take one. Hold your fellow peers accountable. Create opportunities for students who are usually neglected. Lead by example and help decrease biases in your workplace.

1. What was the movement you were inspired to take control of your future?  When my parents were incarcerated, I realized I have to change and take control of my life. Statistics show that young people who have incarcerated parents are likely to become incarcerated themselves. That data was so prevalent in my mind and it made me afraid to take the wrong path. I started to think more about what I wanted for the future, how I wanted to feel, how I wanted to live. Throughout the time they were away, I took a good look at myself and my surroundings. What should I be doing now to make sure I am okay later? Who can I turn to when I am down? Where should I be investing my time? Answering those questions helped me make better decisions and motivated me to keep pushing. Reflecting on who I am today, I believe this experience was a highlight in my life. It helped me learn so much about who I am and what my role is in making this world a better place.

1. What advice do you have to other Latinx voices who want to be heard in their community? My advice would be, be prepared to have people try to dim your light and learn how to refuel after burnout. Advocating on behalf of one’s community has never been easy. However, sometimes we have an internal calling we must listen to. Sometimes people don’t like new ideas or embrace creativity. Sometimes people will dismiss you, ignore you, disrespect you, but it’s all about learning to be better than how people make you feel. Sometimes even your own people may not believe in you, but you must find the power to keep on going and stay committed to your goals. Whether it’s becoming an entrepreneur, buying your first car, running for office, or starting a family, things will not come easy. Take the time to appreciate yourself and regroup. Be honest with yourself. Be committed to your mission and true to your values. Be a student first and be receptive to feedback and advice. Learn from others and be consistent.