Extraordinary Latinas Volume V

CO-AUTHOR DR. MELISSA RAMIREZ FEATURED IN

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EXTRAORDINARY LATINAS VOL V: RECLAIMING COURAGE, HEALING & THE POWER WITHIN

“De Poquito a Poquito: Turning Perseverance into Purpose”

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The newest volume of Extraordinary Latinas continues its tradition of elevating the voices of women who rise with resilience, purpose, and conviction. Among the powerful storytellers featured in Extraordinary Latinas Volume V: Reclaiming Courage, Healing & The Power Within is Dr. Melissa Ramirez, a first-generation organic chemist whose story honors the power of perseverance, cultural identity, and representation in STEM. Her chapter opens with a mantra that shaped her life: “One step at a time — de poquito a poquito — because where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

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Born in Los Angeles to Mexican immigrant parents who worked long hours in Pasadena—her father at Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and her mother as a caregiver to the elderly and housekeeper at Caltech—Melissa grew up deeply aware of the sacrifices that paved her path. Though her parents’ formal education ended in the second grade, they instilled in her a fierce curiosity, a commitment to hard work, and the courage to dream beyond what they had known. “My parents didn’t understand the hexagons I drew, but they understood my determination,” she reflects.

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Her chapter, “De Poquito a Poquito: Turning Perseverance into Purpose,” traces her journey from the Puente Program at Marshall Fundamental High School to becoming a Gates Millennium Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, where she learned to advocate for herself and navigate the challenges of being far from home. The narrative highlights her PhD training at UCLA, where she joined two world-renowned laboratories and pushed through moments of doubt by reminding herself that “being a scientist didn’t mean sacrificing my humanity.”

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Melissa also shares how returning to Caltech as a postdoctoral scholar brought her story full circle—conducting cutting-edge research on the very campus where her parents once held blue-collar jobs. Connecting with local students, she discovered the purpose that now drives her: “I knew I would open doors for others in my community as long as I stayed true to myself and held on to my purpose.”

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Today, as an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Melissa leads a pioneering research group focused on organic synthesis while championing a more inclusive academic culture through her #LatinXMentorFirst Initiative. Her chapter is a powerful testament to courage, identity, and the belief that every small step carries generational impact.

 

Extraordinary Latinas Vol V: A Movement of Healing, Courage & Power

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Extraordinary Latinas Volume V features 19 trailblazing women who, through reflection, healing, and inner strength, have reclaimed their voice, embraced their truth, and stepped into power within, leading with authenticity, purpose, and impact while redefining success on their own terms.

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Ilhiana Rojas Saldana, Co-Founder and President of UNITED LATINAS, shares:

“This volume is a testament to women who rise not only for themselves but for their communities. The Extraordinary Latinas Book Series was created to amplify voices that are often overlooked but never silent. Each story honors the brilliance, resilience, and cultural power Latinas carry—and the authors shaping a path for generations to come.”

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Sandra Noemi Torres, Founder & CEO of UNITED LATINAS, adds:

“We invite everyone to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Latinas everywhere. Our hope is that each story in Extraordinary Latinas will awaken your strength and empower your journey. At UNITED LATINAS, our mission is to create opportunities that elevate Latinas—whether through leadership development, entrepreneurship, visibility, or collaboration. We are committed to fostering a community where Latinas feel seen, heard, and inspired to leave a lasting legacy.”

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Royalties from book sales support UNITED LATINAS leadership development programs and initiatives that uplift Latina communities nationwide. Learn more and order at: https://unitedlatinas.com/book

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About the Extraordinary Latinas Book Series

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The Extraordinary Latinas series celebrates the stories of Latina leaders across fields and generations. Through their courage, vulnerability, and triumph, the series affirms that Latinas do not walk alone—and that every story holds the power to inspire, transform, and drive change. Learn more at: https://extraordinarlatinas.com

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About UNITED LATINAS

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UNITED LATINAS is a collaborative organization dedicated to elevating the visibility, leadership, and economic power of Latinas. Through storytelling, community-building, and professional development, UNITED LATINAS ensures women have the support, resources, and platforms needed to thrive. Learn more at www.unitedlatinas.com.

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To learn more about Dr. Melissa Ramirez:

Personal Website: https://www.m-ramirez.com
Lab Website: https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/ramirezlab/home

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-ramirez-ph-d-833a08243/
Instagram: @dr.melissaramirez
United Latinas Profile: https://www.unitedlatinas.com/book-co-authors-vol5?recordId=recr9LUfT2c2qIY3T