Dr. Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas Honored By LA County Commission For Women In The Category Of Arts And Media

LONG BEACH—The Los Angeles County Commission for Women May 9, honored Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas Ph.D., President and CEO of the Museum of Latin American Art or MOLAA as a recipient of the 37th annual Women of the Year award and scholarship celebration, in the category of Arts and Media.

Each year in celebration of Women’s History Month, the Commission recognizes women who work to bring about social and economic change, promote women’s equality, serve as outstanding role models for women, work on behalf of women’s issues and demonstrate outstanding performance within their professions to further advocate women’s rights.

The “Women of the Year” recognizes women who are outstanding role models for over 5.2 million women in Los Angeles County. Each year, the commission selects honorees in the following six categories: education, health, arts/media, business/labor, law/public safety and women veterans. Awardees must have volunteered or worked on behalf of women’s issues; made significant contributions to equality and served as a role model for women. 

The 15-member commission was created to represent the special interests and concerns of women of all races, ethnic and social backgrounds, religious convictions, sexual orientation and social circumstances. Dr. Ramos-Rivas and the other Women of the Year honorees received their recognition for their outstanding work in celebration of Women’s History Month and the accomplishments of women’s leadership and Women’s Suffrage over the last 100 years

“I am honored to have been recognized by such a distinguished panel of woman leaders in Los Angeles County,” said Dr. Ramos-Rivas, President and CEO, MOLAA. “I consider myself to be privileged to be in a leadership role at an art institution that allows me to envision an expanded role and program in advancing art appreciation and support for Latino/a/x art and artists. Credit for my success in advancing the museum must be shared with my Board and a dedicated museum team who have supported my enthusiasm and vision for MOLAA.

“As I reflect on today’s celebration of the accomplishments of women in our region, I have a special appreciation for the many women who have been recognized before for their dedication and work in their respective fields,” Ramos-Rivas continued.

Dr. Lourdes Ramos-Rivas, the first Latina president and CEO of MOLAA has initiated ambitious plans to grow the museum into a first-class institution with international clout. A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Ramos has led the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan, one of the largest and most prominent Latin American cultural institutions. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in fine arts from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, a Master of Fine Arts from Illinois State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in fine arts with a concentration in arts administration from the University of Barcelona in Spain. 

The 37TH Annual Women of the Year Scholarship Celebration was held May 9, at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles.