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 over 164 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 as a Correction Officer for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office. Eddie is currently a 15 year, veteran Police Officer and works for the Westchester County Police Department. He serves on the department’s School Resource Officer Unit and Motorcycle Unit. Eddie is currently working towards his college degree and is maintaining a 4.0 GPA at SUNY Herkimer. Eddie has also been awarded by local and state organizations for successfully building effective community policing programs, especially for areas with heavy Spanish speaking immigrant populations.

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.

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.