Alma Ramos-McDermott Statement
Alma Ramos-McDermott
Nominee for REFORMA Secretary
My name is Alma Ramos-McDermott, and I have a Masters in Education and another in Library Science. I am a 4th grade teacher at Avalon Elementary. I was a teacher in Brooklyn for 21 years before venturing upon a new career as a School Librarian. I went to Library school in Boston, was awarded a Spectrum Scholarship in 2007, and joined REFORMA (later becoming a Life Member). I am running for the position of REFORMA Secretary because I want to give back to this wonderful organization that does so much for so many.
In 2008 I became a book reviewer for the REFORMA newsletter. I served as Co-Chair for the YA of CAYASC from 2009-2011 with a focus on serving Latino teens. I also became the REFORMA liaison to YALSA, while concurrently serving as Chair of YALSA’s Diversity Committee from 2008-2010. In 2011 I served on the Pura Belpré committee during her Quinceañera, and finished a term on the Newbery committee in 2019. Currently I am serving on a Taskforce, and am a member of CAYASC, taking official photographs during the celebración for the Belpré Facebook page.
I have many years of experience as a Secretary in various organizations, can work with both PC’s and Mac’s, and am very organized. I hope that my committee work, background knowledge, experience and variety of interests will encourage you to vote for me as your new REFORMA Secretary. Gracias!