Speakers

My name is Pablo Ramirez, and I am a 17-year-old senior at the UTRGV Mathematics and Science Academy in Edinburg. I am in the top 1% of my cohort and am Student Council President. Last year, I was a UTRGV research associate for a neuro-reproductive endocrinology lab studying the effect of environmental toxins on the development cycle. Throughout high school, I have cultivated my passion for social activism and community service through various initiatives. I founded the IB Debate Forum in 2017 to foster student involvement in the electoral process. In 2018, I founded The Energy Bar: a pantry eliminating food insecurity and waste for our students. I have been fortunate to spread this pantry throughout the Valley and Texas as a 2018-19 Health Ambassador for a Ready Texas. For my efforts, I was recognized as a ”Latino Leader Eliminating Food Insecurity in Texas” by national news network Salud America. Also in 2018, after volunteering at a summer camp for special-needs individuals named Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP), I was inspired to found the 501(c)(3) organization The Invisible Project, Inc. to advocate for the marginalized members of our community – people with disabilities and the impoverished. I am a 2019 DHL Global Youth Fellowship Award recipient and a 2020 Cameron Impact Scholarship Finalist. I recently attended Texas Boys State, representing RGV American Legion Post 37 as the winner of Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. I currently serve on the McAllen Mayor’s Wellness Council as a Policy subcommittee member, working alongside community stakeholders to create innovative solutions to our Valley's wellness issues.