Name: Derrick Ramos
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: 40 (Best Class Ever)
Title/Company: Deputy County Manager/ Chief of Staff, Mecklenburg County Government
Hometown: Abeline, Texas
Education:
- BA in Political Science and International Studies from Texas A&M University (Whoop!)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Johns Hopkins University
Current personal or leadership goals:
To intentionally build more time and space for my own personal learning, development and wellness.
What advice would you give to current Leadership Charlotte participants?
Allow yourself to be vulnerable with your peers. Listen and learn from your unique viewpoint but especially from the lens and life experiences of others. Take time to unpack the lessons learned after every program day to better understand the complex historical and systemic challenges facing our community. Finally, don’t be afraid to challenge your own assumptions.
What’s a lesson that you learned through LC that has stuck with you and why?
The Leadership Charlotte program does not end after closing weekend; the experience is just the start of a longer, personal journey of self-reflection and action. Ask yourself what you will do with the knowledge and tools gained through the program to make a positive impact in Charlotte-Mecklenburg now and in the future.
What would you like to see Leadership Charlotte alumni get involved in and why?
I would encourage alumni to find a mission or purpose that they are passionate about and find a personally meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer at your local school, apply to join a local Advisory Board, or donate your time or treasure with any of the incredible nonprofit organizations that serve our neighbors.
Favorite way to spend a weekend in Charlotte:
Spending quality time with my family is always my #1 favorite weekend activity. Starting my day with a hearty breakfast (and lots of coffee!), taking a run on a county greenway, reading books at the library with my daughter, or trying out a new restaurant for dinner are always some of my top choices!
Favorite nonprofit or community organization in Charlotte and why:
I serve on the Boards of two amazing organizations – Charlotte Bilingual Preschool and the Community Building Initiative (CBI) — because I am passionate about advancing racial equity so that everyone has equitable access and opportunity. CBI has programs to fight bias and remove barriers to opportunity while Charlotte Bilingual Preschool prepares Spanish-speaking children for success in school and life through dual language, multi-cultural early childhood education.