Honoring a Legacy of Service – Antonio Ramos

(5 Minute Read) — With the opening of the new Unitus Woodburn Branch & Financial Resource Center, one space inside the building carries a particularly meaningful distinction. The community room now proudly bears the name of Antonio Ramos, a beloved educator, advocate, and community connector whose influence has shaped generations of families across Woodburn. 

Antonio’s impact is woven into the identity of this city. His dedication to education, his deep cultural pride, and his lifelong commitment to serving families have created opportunities for thousands of students. Naming the community room in his honor recognizes both his legacy and the values that unite Woodburn. 

A Life Shaped by Love, Education, and Family Values 

Antonio’s story begins with family. He often shares that the principles he learned from his parents and the unity of his siblings shaped everything that followed. Their lessons in kindness, service, dedication, and love for others inspired him to become a teacher and to remain deeply engaged in the community. 

He describes education as the passion of his life, a calling that never felt like work. “When you love what you do, it is not a job. It is a passion for living well and serving others,” explains Mr. Ramos. That belief became the foundation of his decades of work with families throughout Woodburn. 

A Legacy of Collective Achievement 

Although Antonio is known for his modesty, his accomplishments speak for themselves. His leadership in parent engagement, community partnerships, and student support has transformed lives. He sees his greatest achievement not in personal recognition, but in the trust families placed in him and in the shared successes created alongside administrators, teachers, support staff, and parent committees. 

For Antonio, being a bridge between the school district and families was his greatest honor. He watched students grow, saw them pursue college and careers, and walked beside parents who learned to advocate for their children. “Together we made it,” he says. “Seeing students become professionals, that is the best achievement.” 

Recognition Rooted in Community Impact 

Antonio’s work has earned statewide, national, and international recognition. Each award represents the collective effort of many hands working toward a common goal. 

His honors include: 

• The Ohtli Award, the highest recognition given by the Mexican government to individuals living outside Mexico who serve and uplift Mexican communities 

• Recognition from Cultura México USA for his lasting contributions to community development 

• The Oregon Title IC Larry Tucker Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to migrant students and their families 

• Acknowledgement from the Secretariat of Education in Tabasco, Mexico for his participation in national training programs that support student success 

Antonio is quick to emphasize that these awards belong to the entire community. “This would not be possible without the collaboration and support of everyone who was present along the way. I am and will always be grateful.” 

Opportunities Built Through People Who Believe in You 

Antonio credits much of his success to the mentors, leaders, colleagues, and friends who supported him from the moment he arrived in the United States. He describes them as angels and guides who opened doors and encouraged him to keep learning and growing. 

Challenges, he says, became opportunities to improve, to serve, and to discover new paths. “Challenges are the most valuable opportunities a human being can have in life to achieve greatness.” 

A Life Shaped by Influential People and Deep Cultural Roots 

Antonio’s greatest influences were his parents, who modeled love, respect, and a deep appreciation for people and nature. His father taught him to work with care and intention. His mother taught him to find beauty where it grows and to respect the world around him. 

He also draws inspiration from teachers, relatives, neighbors, and rural families who shared their homes and food with him—and even a dog named Chile. They all shaped his worldview and strengthened his belief that generosity, humility, and service are at the heart of community. 

As an Indigenous man, Antonio has also experienced discrimination in both Mexico and the United States. Rather than discouraging him, these experiences strengthened his commitment to justice and equality. Through workshops, cultural presentations, and community engagement, he learned the importance of valuing one’s language, ancestry, and identity. “When you know who you are on the inside, nothing can stop you from learning something new.” 

Woodburn’s Strength and the Path Forward 

Antonio describes Woodburn as a magical place filled with color, resilience, laughter, and unity. Over the years he has seen the community restore bilingual education, transform its downtown, build affordable housing, and welcome new families. 

He believes the next challenge is guiding new generations to understand their roots and continue the city’s legacy of multiculturalism and multilingualism. He sees Unitus as a strong partner in that work. “Unitus is already making a difference with projects that recognize, appreciate, and support the community. That gives me hope that we will continue to grow together.” 

A Space That Reflects the Community It Serves 

The Antonio Ramos Community Room is now open for members, partners, and neighbors to gather, learn, and build connections. It honors a man who dedicated his life to creating opportunity for others, and it symbolizes the spirit of Woodburn itself. 

As Unitus expands its presence in Woodburn, we celebrate Antonio’s leadership and his enduring belief in unity, culture, and community. His story reminds us that when people support one another, greatness becomes possible. Unitus is proud to be part of that story.