Texas Strong Woman: Susan Ramirez

SUSAN RAMIREZ

AUSTIN ANGELS FOUNDER

Buda, Texas

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TITLES FOR YOURSELF AND WHY?

I like to be called Mom, Wife, and Leader. Leading Austin Angels and watching it expand into National Angels has been both thrilling and rewarding. However, the greatest joy of my life is raising my two boys with my best friend. Being their mom is the greatest privilege I have ever had, and it brings me true joy.

WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS ORMENTORS?

My mom is so selfless, and her love for children has translated into how I live my life. She inspires me to love unconditionally and extend that love to those who need it most. Also, the late Dr. Karen Pervis created Trust-Based Relational Intervention, without which we would not have the foundation of the Austin Angels mission. She gives me hope that what I am doing with National and Austin Angels matters to the success of foster care children as contributors to society and sustainable foster placements.

Photo by Enid Jones PhotographyModel home by Ashton Woods

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR OR CHALLENGE?

At Austin Angels, our goal is to reach every child in foster care, nationwide. My biggest fear is not havingthe capacity to positively impact each and every foster child’s life. I know that the potential is there, butthe challenge is having the support and time needed to accomplish this enormous goal.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

I have had the honor of watching Austin Angels grow from just a small, citywide operation to a nationalorganization, made up of ten chapters. I am proud to say that we are now able to serve 682 children. Byuniting our communities, we have been able to positively impact the foster care system in so many ways.

HOW ARE YOU BUILDING COMMUNITY RIGHT NOW?

Austin Angels builds community intentionally, through our Love Box program.

By wrapping community around children and families, we believe that we can strengthen sustainable foster placements and empower our youth to reach their fullest potential. We know how hard it can be to do it alone, so we provide the tools and the community support needed to create these successful foster placements.

WHAT IS A FAVORITE QUOTE OR VERSE YOU LIVE BY?

I keep one verse in my mind every day:“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CENTRAL TEXAS IN THE WINTER?

Nothing, I hate winter! I love the heat. I love spending the holidays with my family and enjoying the funfestivities that come along with them. I just wish it stayed over 75 degrees!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TEXAS-BASED NONPROFITS TO SUPPORT?

My favorite organizations are Austin Angels, of course, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, and Glimmer of HopeAustin. I believe in Mobile Loaves and Fishes, whose mission is to serve the homeless and working poor inAustin by providing these individuals with life-sustaining items.

Glimmer of Hope Austin ensures donors’ funds go directly to the areas that will have the greatest impact,by investing seed capital to startup nonprofits. They have helped many groups take their organizations tothe next level, which allows them to impact more lives, in turn.