Elena Ramirez Robles joins the Lick-Wilmerding High School community as Associate Director of the Center for Civic Engagement. Her multifaceted position includes organizing Peer Connect, running the Community Tutoring program after school, managing student clubs and planning grade retreats. In addition, she teaches the new frosh Identity and Belonging class and is a member of the Ethnic Studies Committee.
Among her many roles, Ramirez is most excited to work with the team of Center interns—facilitating collaboration and channeling her design background. “I’m excited to definitely coach students in graphic design and expand their skill set, their portfolio, same with the resident artists,” she said. She originally studied graphic design at Oregon State University, before switching her major to Ethnic Studies, a shift she attributes to her experience working at the student Latinx Cultural Center. This dual experience shaped her outlook as an educator. “[Ethnic Studies] ended up being more my track,” Ramirez said, “it’s more education, but I still hold the design aspect.”
Ramirez moved to San Francisco in 2019 to pursue her Master’s in Human Rights Education at the University of San Francisco. Before coming to LWHS, she taught Advanced Placement Spanish Literature at Gateway High School. Her connection to Spanish stems from her childhood—she was born in Costa Rica before moving to Oregon at a young age.
At home, Ramirez has a toddler named Lucio who just started walking. The family often spends the weekend going to Fairyland, Lake Merritt or Strawberry Creek Park. Otherwise, for outings, she likes to keep it simple. “I love hanging out with my friends and, like, anything with food is perfect,” Ramirez said.
When asked what drew her to Lick, Ramirez said, “I really liked Lick’s mission.” Curious about how LWHS committed to public purpose, visiting the school shaped her impression of the community because it revealed that commitment. “I was very convinced in my interview and doing the tour, seeing what students do and strive to accomplish for surrounding communities. I thought that was awesome,” Ramirez said.
