General Information

Name	Samantha
Last Name	Ramirez
Nickname	samantha_rc

Background

Organization	International Business University
Professional Title	MBA Candidate, International Business University (IBU)
Bio and Background	I am originally from Mexico and currently living in Toronto, where I am pursuing my MBA with a focus on Business Analytics. I enjoy working with data to better understand problems and find solutions that can create value for communities. Outside of school, I am passionate about health, fitness, and sustainability, and I love connecting with people from different backgrounds to share ideas and experiences.
Why I am a Force for Health Member	I am joining The Force for Health Network as a Data Analysis Intern. My background is in engineering and business, and I am currently pursuing my MBA with a focus on analytics. I want to use this opportunity to learn, connect with others, and contribute to projects that can make a positive difference in people’s lives and communities.
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	I use the Force for Health Network Tools to access resources, connect with like-minded individuals, and organize data that helps me understand health trends and community needs. These tools simplify the way I analyze and share information to support healthier decisions for myself and others.
My inspiration	I can’t choose just one person since the people that inspires me the most are my parents. My mom with her resilience in life and my dad being a passionate about healthy food. At home I not only find emotional support but also healthy habits to put in practice here in Canada.
Location	I am currently based in Toronto, Canada. I consider my community to be both the local Greater Toronto Area, where I live and study, and my hometown community in Mexico, as I remain connected and committed to contributing to both.
What would you like people to know about your community?	My community is very special to me because it reflects two worlds I belong to. In Toronto, I am surrounded by people from all over the world, and I love how much we can learn from each other through different cultures and experiences. Back home in Mexico, my community is built on strong family ties, traditions, and a spirit of support for one another. Both places have shaped who I am, and they inspire me to give back and work toward healthier and more connected communities.

My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	Adjusting to a new country and lifestyle has sometimes been challenging, especially finding balance between school, work, and personal well-being. It can also be difficult to stay consistent with healthy habits when life gets busy.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	I believe that health is not just personal, it’s something we share. By backing our community’s health, we create stronger, safer, and happier communities for everyone. It allows me to be involved and pay it forward and have others feel the same kind of support I’ve experienced.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	My community and my support network have turned out to be very resilient and supportive since we connected as newcomers in this city. In both Mexico and Toronto, people look out for one another and share resources when needed. I am proud to be part of communities where collaboration, family values, and cultural traditions encourage us to take care of each other
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	In Mexico, many people struggle with health deficiencies and access to resources. In Toronto, while there are many services, it can feel overwhelming or difficult to navigate the system. Also, many of my Mexican friends don’t have private insurance since it is too expensive compared to Mexico. Both communities face different challenges, but both can benefit from more awareness and support around prevention and wellness.
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	believe I can contribute by using data to identify health trends and share insights that make information easier to understand. Beyond data, I want to encourage healthier daily habits, share knowledge, and create connections that inspire people to take care of themselves and those around them.

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

For me, advancing the DREAM is to complete small steps toward a time where everyone, no matter their history, has equal access to health, education, and opportunities. Dr. King’s rhetoric remembers me that health is a fundamental human right, and that inequality in this area not only affects the individual but the whole community as well.

As someone who has lived between two cultures, I’ve seen how health disparities can limit people’s potential and quality of life. This inspires me to highlight gaps, raise awareness, and support solutions that bring more fairness to healthcare.

To help continue the DREAM, I want to contribute to building a society in which prevention, education, and equity are the priorities—so we leave no one behind and all of us can live healthier and richer lives.

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

My action pledge for 2025 is to use data to make health information more accessible and easier to understand for my community. I believe that when people have the right information, they can make better choices for themselves and their families.

I pledge to apply my skills in data analysis to highlight disparities, support preventive strategies, and share insights in ways that empower others. By doing this, I hope to contribute to advancing the DREAM of equity in health and creating a culture where knowledge leads to healthier and fairer outcomes for all.

samantha_rc