STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Article by UDaily staff

Carlos Ramirez, executive director at AccentCare Home Health and Hospice, addressed over 200 University of Delaware staff members at an appreciation luncheon held April 12 in the Trabant University Center.

The luncheon, sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, celebrates the daily contributions of staff, but also promotes education and awareness through the stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Referring to himself as a “brown skinned American,” Ramirez shared the challenges of being an immigrant while achieving his road to success. He takes pride in being a role model for his family and students and said one of his greatest inspirations is his four-year-old son who was born with a congenital heart problem and has been subject to three open heart surgeries in his young life.

Ramirez, born in Mexicali, Mexico, moved to the United States at the age of 15 seeking a better life. He rose to the challenge of caring for his young siblings learning the power of leadership. Within two years of finishing high school, he began studying nursing at his local community college and was hired at El Centro Regional Medical Center as an emergency department aide while pursuing his nursing degree.

Ultimately, he completed his bachelor’s degree and master of science in nursing at the University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in health care administration. He is also a part-time instructor at Imperial Valley College.

Ramirez encouraged staff to “find the spark you need to start the fire within to give you the strength to take on any challenge.”

During his visit, Ramirez also spoke to an audience of faculty, students and community members at UD’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus on the challenges of health care.

Click here to see a clip of Ramirez’s story.