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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE AMAZING LIFE OF MARTHA RAMOS, IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom called Martha Ramos from our midst on February 20, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Martha, a Puerto Rican-American Chicago native, dedicated her life to helping others in any capacity she could, always striving to leave a positive impact on everybody with whom she worked. She was a strong, courageous, kind, and generous with her time, neighbor and friend to many; and
WHEREAS, Martha Ramos was the daughter of Daniel and Iris Ramos, sister to Analicia, Dulce, Mirca and Iris Ramos. Loving mother to Coraliris Echevarria, grandmother to Eliel and Leonel Soto, and lifetime companion of Rey Colón; and
WHEREAS, Martha helped her father purchase the Puerto Rican Parade Committee building, which was paid in full upon the completion of his term as President and ultimately, named after him. Martha became the Executive Director of the Puerto Rican Parade Committee and organized the Puerto Rican Pride Parade and festival which continues to be an annual City of Chicago celebration; earning her “Business Woman of the Year” award by the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce in 1989; and
WHEREAS, Martha graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology where she received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting and was elected DeVry Accounting Society President in 1994; and
WHEREAS, Martha’s many accomplishments in her long career in the private sector include: Budget Management for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Corporate Office, aiding 25 YMCA locations as Assistant to Director of Treasury, Program Services and Staff Development from 1991 to 1994; supervisor of the final bankruptcy reclamation process at Montgomery Ward’s National Office from 1998 to 2000, where she managed $1.3 billion in payables and $60 million in receivable accounts while maintaining good relations with over 7,500 vendors at 300 locations; coordinator of Transit Advertising and manager of a $30 million budget in 24 international markets as the National Business Operations Manager for Obie Media Incorporated from 2001 to 2003; among others; and
WHEREAS, Martha served as Region Manager Assistant at the Chicago Park District from 1994 to 1997 where she conducted regular site visits teaching 72 Park Supervisors and over 400 staff best practices in community outreach. She managed numerous projects and special events for the Region Manager, Finance Manager and 5 Area Managers. Martha was awarded 1997 Chicago Park District P.R.I.D.E. Employee of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Martha recruited corporate sponsors, community leaders and non-profit organizations to create the Boulevard Community Arts Network and produced the first Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival from 2001 to 2006. It is a thriving annual event to this day; and
WHEREAS, after her father suffered a major stroke, Martha put aside her own career and ambitions to run his company “Ramos & Daughters Movers” named after his 5 daughters; and
WHEREAS, Martha served as Chief of Staff for 35th Ward Alderman Rey Colón from 2006 to 2015 providing outstanding city services. She loved turning complaints, problems and issues into solutions and often said it was the job she favored, mostly due to the high volume of very demanding constituents; and
WHEREAS, Martha was a crime fighter. In 2007 she received a Chicago City Council Bravery Recognition and 2007 Cook County Honorable Citizen Award for catching the Edgewater Slasher; and
WHEREAS, Martha created partnerships with city, state and federal government elected officials, businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce and other institutions to acquire resources to benefit her community. One of the many projects was the resurrection of the Logan Square’s business district along Milwaukee Avenue; and
WHEREAS, until her untimely passing, Martha continued working as a public servant in the Chicago Public Schools, The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, the service offices of Chicago Alderman Milly Santiago and, last, for Cook County Commissioner Luis Arroyo Jr; and
WHEREAS, Martha Ramos left this world a better place. The northwest side of Chicago has lost a neighbor, friend, tireless community worker, wonderful mother and grandmother to her family and an overall beautiful soul. She will be greatly missed;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, do hereby express our deepest condolences to Martha's family and friends for this sudden and unimaginable loss; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceeding of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of the same be tendered to the family of Martha Ramos so that her memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
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