The UNMC College of Public Health has named Athena Ramos, PhD, as the director of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities. The appointment was effective Nov. 1.
“Dr. Ramos, a nationally recognized public health leader, has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing the center’s mission and improving health outcomes for communities across Nebraska,” said Brandon Grimm, PhD, vice dean of the UNMC College of Public Health. “She brings a deep understanding of the center’s history, longstanding community relationships, and opportunities to build on its work in partnership with communities across Nebraska.”
Dr. Ramos said stepping into the role of center director is “both a tremendous honor and a meaningful opportunity to give back to a place that has shaped my professional journey.”
“I believe our greatest strength lies in the relationships we build and the trust we cultivate with communities,” she said. “I look forward to working alongside our faculty, staff, students and community partners to strengthen those connections, expand our impact and shape the next chapter of the center together.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Ramos has worked alongside rural communities, Latino families, farmers, ranchers and agricultural and meatpacking workers to identify priorities, build on community strengths and promote opportunities for health and well-being. Her work bridges academic research and everyday community realities, bringing together workers, employers, local organizations and public health partners to develop approaches that are both evidence-informed and responsive to community needs.
As director, Dr. Ramos will lead the center’s efforts to advance research, strengthen community partnerships, develop future public health leaders and address persistent health disparities across Nebraska.
“Since joining the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Dr. Ramos has played a key role in expanding the center’s reach, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing research that addresses the social, environmental and economic factors that influence health,” Dr. Grimm said. “Her work reflects a belief that lasting improvements in health and well-being begin with communities themselves and are strengthened through collaboration, mutual respect and shared commitment.”
UNMC College of Public Health Dean Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH, said: “Dr. Ramos is an exceptional leader whose proven track record and profound dedication to community-rooted research make her the ideal person to guide the Center for Reducing Health Disparities. Addressing health inequities is at the very core of public health and central to our college’s mission. Under Athena’s leadership, the center will continue to push the boundaries of science and translate rigorous evidence into lasting, tangible health improvements for every community we serve across Nebraska and beyond.”