Callie Yiu | Staff Writer

Photo Courtesy of Patricia Ramos (Illustration by Victor Chambers | The Corsair)

Patricia Ramos reflects on her journey and the importance of embracing one's cultural identity.

Amidst the diversity of cultures in the bustling city of Los Angeles, Patricia Galarza Ramos, the dean of Academic Affairs at Santa Monica College (SMC), shares a story that intertwines her personal growth with a deep connection to her Mexican heritage. Throughout a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, she found the importance of connecting with her roots.

Growing up as a child of Mexican immigrants in Los Angeles, Ramos said she did not always feel a strong connection to her heritage. She found it difficult to stay aligned with the cultural legacies passed down by her parents. "When you're the child of immigrants living in a city like Los Angeles, you feel very American,” she said. “Having this whole other culture isn't as valued."

In her early years, Ramos said she sometimes found herself yearning for a different identity, contemplating shedding the label of being Mexican American. She even changed her name to appear more approachable. Patricia Galarza Ramos became Tricia Ramos.

According to Ramos, in contrast to her experiences of feeling disconnected from her heritage growing up, today there are more opportunities for the celebration of Latine heritage, with events like Hispanic Heritage Month. Social media has also provided a platform for cultural appreciation by connecting individuals through their cultures globally. Ramos said that this was not the case during her formative years and that she only truly delved into her heritage when she entered her college years.

The turning point in Ramos’ journey of accepting her cultural heritage occurred during her time at Venice High School, when a history class referenced a prominent Latine scholar and activist, Ernesto Galarza. Upon discovering this reference in a textbook, Ramos excitedly informed her mother, who told Ramos that he was her great uncle.

"I remember reading it and being, 'Wow, look! My name is in a history book! There's a person with my name!’," she said. Ernesto Galarza's legacy left an indelible mark on Ramos.

Ramos carries the scholar’s significant contributions to labor organizing and advocacy for Mexican American workers with great pride. "He was a tremendously important man, nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in Literature. His work as a researcher, scholar, and labor activist, whose work allowed for Cesar Chavez and labor organizing to exist, is well known,” said Ramos. “Living up to that name and that amazing legacy that he left, I would say, has been probably one of the more impactful experiences."

Raised as part of Generation X, Ramos said this was a time when being bilingual was not seen as the asset it is today. She predominantly spoke English and only limited Spanish. However, it was her career as a flight attendant that changed her perspective. Her extensive travels across Mexico, Latin America, and the world allowed her to discover the beauty of her language and heritage. “I realized how much I really did love my culture, my people, and the values that they represent," Ramos said. Surrounding herself with those who shared the same heritage during that time remarkably improved her Spanish speaking skills.
Through her process of self-discovery, Ramos learned that connecting with her heritage started with recognizing her own value and self-worth.

"When we deny ourselves pride in who we are and where we come from, you're missing a big piece, you're cutting off a limb," she said.

To better connect with and advocate for her culture, Ramos became heavily involved in communities related to her heritage, such as the Latina Youth Conference, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), and the National Hispana Leadership Institute. Ramos fully delved into these communities and pushed herself to her full potential. “I never saw myself as a role model or a leader, but I’ve always been a fighter. I think that putting that passion and that action in service of others has been my life’s work.” Through these programs and communities, she developed a deeper cultural awareness and formed meaningful relationships with individuals who are still a part of her life.

Throughout her career, Ramos found herself continually pushed towards leadership roles. From an initial director position at SMC, she seized every opportunity that came her way and pushed herself to greater heights. Her resilience led her to become the Dean of Academic Affairs and, subsequently, the Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at SMC.

As the dean of Academic Affairs at SMC, Ramos said she recognizes the role educational institutions play in fostering appreciation for one’s own cultures. She believes that, as an educational institution like SMC, incorporating educational programming around different cultures is essential, as is a commitment owed to the community they serve. Ramos encouraged those of all backgrounds to get involved, take advantage of any leadership opportunity, and learn how to advocate for what you believe in.

"I identify as a Latina first, before a daughter, before a wife, or friend, or any other labeled identity that we put on ourselves," Ramos said.

From navigating the complexities of her cultural identity to advocating for her heritage in countless leadership positions, Ramos’ inspiring journey serves as a reminder of the impacts connecting with one’s culture can have on personal growth. Ramos not only found her own roots but has worked to encourage others to embrace their own.

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