___________ Board of Directors

Norma I. Ramirez, President

Norma was born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico to two loving parents, Ismael and Carmen Muriel. She moved to New York City at a young age and was raised in the Bronx. Norma graduated from Walton High School. She then graduated from H.H. Lehman College with a B.A. in Math, and graduated from Elmira College with a M.A. in Education. Norma retired as a school teacher from parochial and the public schools after 40 years of service. During her career, she also served as the Vice-President of the Poughkeepsie Public School Teacher’s Association union for many years.

As Co-Founder of the Hudson Valley Latino Scholarship Fund, Norma and her late husband, Edwin Ramirez Sr., have always shared and focused on their message, “Pay it forward,” to many students that they have awarded scholarships to since the program’s inception in 1999. Her passion for helping students succeed is evident in her guidance, vision, and hard work for our organization.

Edwin “Eddie” Ramirez Jr., Vice-President

Eddie was born in Queens, NY to Edwin Ramirez Sr. and Norma I. Ramirez. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Corning, NY with his family before they moved to Poughkeepsie, NY in 1994. Eddie graduated from Spackenkill High School in 1998. Eddie entered the workforce and began his law enforcement career in June of 2002. In his 20+ years in law enforcement, Eddie has been recognized and awarded by many local and state organizations for successfully building effective community relations programs between the police and the community, focusing on areas with Spanish speaking immigrant populations. Eddie earned an Associates Degree from SUNY Herkimer and graduated with highest honors (Summa Cum Laude) and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. He is currently working towards his Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement Leadership at SUNY Canton.

As Vice-President, Eddie supports the President with all matters pertaining to the organization as well as creating marketing products and fundraising activities. Eddie also created and manages our website and creates our social media content.

Jill Coccaro-Ramirez, Treasurer

Jill was born in White Plains, NY to two loving parents, Al and Katie Coccaro, and was raised in Mount Kisco, NY. She attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in White Plains and went on to study at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, earning a Bachelor’s, Masters, and Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Jill then furthered her studies at Pace University earning a Bachelor’s and Masters in Nursing and is currently completing her second Doctorate as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. She has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner for the last 11 years.

As Treasurer, Jill is a key player in ensuring the financial integrity of our organization, providing the board with the tools and information needed to make sound financial decisions that further the organization’s mission.

Debbie Kardas, Secretary

Debbie was born in Goshen, NY to Elwood and Louise Thorn Jr. She was raised in Poughkeepsie, NY. Debbie graduated from Poughkeepsie High School. She then graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a B.S. and M.S. in Math Education and taught for 37 years in the Poughkeepsie Public School District. Debbie served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer for the Poughkeepsie Public School Teacher’s Association union for many years. As President of the teacher’s union, she was awarded a grant from AFT to create a teaching system to support English Language Learners (ELL) navigate Common Core.

Debbie has always been a very strong supporter of the Hudson Valley Latino Scholarship Fund and has helped to create programs and events for fundraising efforts. As the Secretary, Debbie continues to provide invaluable support to our organization.

Joe Torres, Trustee

Joe Torres has been with the Hudson Valley Latino Scholarship Fund for many years as a Trustee. Joe has dedicated his life to the communities he serves as a public servant, in the political arena, and as a community activist in many ways. Joe is responsible for the much needed support from our local politicians to help our organization continue to succeed. Joe was a great friend to Eddie Sr. and is dedicated to keeping his legacy alive.