Downtown campus employee named to 'Forty Under 40' list

The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Maria Luisa Ramos, director of the American Dream Academy at ASU's Center for Community Development & Civil Rights, to its 2009 Forty Hispanic Leaders Under 40 list.

The list recognizes 40 key Hispanic business and community leaders who are making significant contributions to the greater good of the community.

Ramos has been with the American Dream Academy since 2006 and has been instrumental in its growth as one of the signature programs of the ASU Center for Community Development & Civil Rights, located in the College of Public Programs at the Downtown Phoenix campus. 

The American Dream Academy's educational focus starts with the beginning of life, helping parents to instill the value of education within themselves and their children. Through the American Dream Academy, parents are given the tools to guide their children through K-12 grades and into higher education. This type of school-based intervention empowers and trains parents to become effective advocates and partners in their children's education.

The program is seen by university and K-12 officials as a key resource in preparing families for successful completion of high school and college.

For more information, visit http://cdcr.asu.edu.