Melissa Ramirez featured in Extraordinary Latinas Vol. 5
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (04/03/2026) – The Department of Chemistry recently celebrated Assistant Professor Melissa Ramirez on the occasion of the release of Extraordinary Latinas Volume V. Ramirez is a co-author on the book, which features stories of 19 trailblazing women embracing their truth, reclaiming their voices, and redefining success on their own terms.
Through her chapter “De Poquito a Poquito: Turning Perseverance into Purpose,” Ramirez explores and honors the power of perseverance, cultural identity, and representation in STEM. She opens by sharing the story of her parents — Mexican immigrants who worked tirelessly in the service industry to provide for their family. She goes on to trace her journey from the Puente Program at Marshall Fundamental High School, through her undergraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies, to ultimately arrive at the University of Minnesota Department of Chemistry. During Ramirez’s book launch event on March 30, she shared excerpts with her perspective on the secrets to creating your own success.
“Be resourceful. All the tools are laid out for you — and if they’re not, then all the doors are waiting to be knocked on. Having that mindset will help you overcome and overcome and overcome. Shooting all the shots is important to living a purposeful life that’s bigger than you and in service of others.”
“Do not wait for joy — find some way to experience it every day. For me, it means finding joy even in the smallest, most everyday experiences. This can include enjoying my cup of Nespresso coffee in the morning ... or the view of the sun rising over the icy Mississippi River as I drive home from my 6:15 a.m. HIIT workout during the Minnesota winter.”
The book launch event featured a presentation and reading from Ramirez, a Q&A session moderated by Maija Brown of the UMN Graduate School Diversity Office, and a community reception. As a part of the Q&A, Brown asked Ramirez what inspired her to participate in the publication.
“I was encouraged to contribute by Paule Valery Joseph, a senior investigator at the NIH and a member of United Latinas, who was aware of my story. I decided to participate in the hopes that my story of overcoming adversity could inspire others to pursue bold dreams. I think it’s important to build courage in sharing your story — and to inspire courage in others. Building courage helps us tackle the problems we face in the classroom, laboratory, and everyday life.”
Ramirez joined the UMN Department of Chemistry in January 2025. Her lab — currently made up of five graduate students, one postdoctoral associate, and one undergraduate student — develops experimental and computational approaches to address challenges associated with efficiency in the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant small molecules. This work aims to develop advanced synthetic methods in the areas of main group catalysis, asymmetric organocatalysis, and transition metal photochemistry through a blend of experimental and computational techniques. Ramirez gives back to the chemistry community as a champion for a more inclusive academic culture through her #LatinXMentorFirst Initiative.
More about Extraordinary Latinas Volume V: Reclaiming Courage, Healing & The Power Within
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.
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.”