Esteban Ramos (right) with NYS Governor Cuomo

Most recently, Social Worker and 2008 Wurzweiler Master of Social Work graduate Esteban Ramos co-authored a recently published article and was featured in the first three pages of chapter 5 of the book "Everyone Leads:  Building Leadership from the Community Up", by Paul Schmitz.  He also attended the SOMOS El Futuro conferences opening reception, held at the Governor’s Mansion. SOMOS El Futuro is an annual conference that brings together Latino leaders and elected officials to discuss pressing issues.

Ramos was already heading in the right direction before he even graduated from  Wurzweiler School of Social Work.  As a student at Wurzweiler, Ramos distinguished himself with the Latino Social Work Task Force/Wurzweiler School of Social Work Scholarship Award September 2007 & 2006 and the Wurzweiler School of Social Work/Yeshiva University Dorothy and David Schachne Dean’s Scholarship Award May 2006 & 2007.

Ramos accepts "Fresh Youth Initiatives'" Organization of the Year Award

But it is in his work after earning his MSW that he has really taken flight. As Executive Director of Fresh Youth Initiatives in Washington Heights, NY, Ramos has utilized his education in social work with vigor. The organization engages youth in positive, community-building activities while guiding and supporting them through adolescence. As a leader, he has steered the organization’s annual budget to grow three years consecutively, increased support by 20% and out of a six year deficit and into a four years surplus resulting in the organization receiving a 4 out 4 star rating from Charity Navigator.

During his stewardship so far, the organization has also undertaken a marketing and branding overhaul and established its very first endowment.

Ramos continues to be an active and supportive member of the Wurzweiler alumni, and has often spoken with prospective students of his experiences in the MSW program.