Growing up in the same neighborhood she now serves, Sally Ramos turned her past into a force for change. A survivor of domestic violence, she understands the hidden struggles many children, women, and seniors face. Whenever she notices anything concerning, big or small, she acts immediately. Whether by helping individuals get in contact with the Justice Center in Downtown Brooklyn, leave abusive relationships, make calls on behalf of families, find new housing, or simply offer a listening ear, Ramos is a trusted figure in the community, always ready to stand against domestic violence.
As she says, “Social justice is us going to the courthouse when somebody is murdered and fighting for the family I love. It makes me feel like something is getting done and is not getting ignored.”
Additionally, she dedicates herself to assisting the elderly in her community. Ramos helps interpret letters from courts and hospitals and accompanies seniors on visits to both places. Sally guides them through those complex systems with warmth and patience—always as a volunteer, never seeking compensation. To expand her reach, she is working towards creating a nonprofit called AHEART Inc. (Awaken Her, Empower All: a Right To Live) which educates the community about domestic violence.
She also plans to collaborate with local schools to host workshops to advocate and educate against adolescent bullying. With this, she continues speaking up for the neglected people in her community, ensuring no one is ever left behind. She recalls helping a young mother of two leave an abusive environment, and her encouragement persists: “I talk to her, and I encourage her not to take [abuse]. . .not to keep going back to him. But she’s going to keep doing it. So. . .I give her courage to make her stronger.” Whatever it is, Sally never stops striving toward a future free from violence.
