Deyci Ramirez, MSEd, Northeast AHEC’s new director, is a social change and leadership instructor and an elected member of a local school board.

Deyci comes to AHEC from 14 years’ experience as a bilingual/bicultural student success counselor in Northern Illinois University’s CHANCE program, a retention and holistic admissions organization at NIU that works to provide students with academic, social, financial, and organizational guidance through a unique campus-wide support system.

Her background as a facilitator of conversations on diversity and equity and supervisor of a peer-mentoring program align directly with the AHEC mission and vision, and make her well-versed in program development and community partnerships.

Deyci earned her master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education from NIU. Growing up, she wanted to be a police officer, but changed her mind after graduating and becoming a college counselor. “I realized that I could do more for kids,” she says, “by helping them get through school than by putting them into a criminal justice system that is not truly equipped to support them. This shift in perspective has been a guiding force in my career, driving my commitment to education and student advocacy.”

Deyci grew up in the Chicago neighborhood of La Villita, or “Little Village,” a vibrant enclave of Mexican life and culture on the city’s southeast side. “I’m incredibly proud of my heritage and the community I come from,” she says. “La Villita shaped who I am today, and I carry those experiences with me in everything I do.”

Besides her job at NIU, for the last three years she has been serving as a member of the DeKalb school board, most recently as its president. “I decided to run because of my passion for education and desire to contribute to the community that has given me so much,” she says. “Growing up in La Villita, I saw firsthand the challenges students and families face in underrepresented communities.” She was elected to the DeKalb School District Board of Education (CUSD 428) in 2021, and her term runs to 2025.

She is also currently pursuing her doctorate in in Educational Administration and Foundations at Illinois State University. And in her spare time – if she even has any?

“Outside of work, I’m a die-hard Cubs fan!” she proclaims. “I love spending time at the ballpark with my family and friends.” She also enjoys traveling and reading, including to keep up with current practices in education, community building, and leadership.

Being passionate about community service, she is often involved in organizing events or volunteering with local organizations. “My journey has been driven by a commitment to giving back and creating opportunities for others,” she explains, “and I’m excited to continue this work as I move forward in my career. That is why I am thrilled to be in this new role with AHEC and serve communities such as the one that I grew up in and the one that I currently reside in.”

“I’m most looking forward to the opportunity to impact students’ lives in meaningful ways,” Deyci stated. “As the AHEC Director, I’m excited to work with a diverse group of students, faculty, and community partners to promote health careers and education.”

“I also look forward to expanding AHEC’s reach and creating innovative programs that align with the needs of our community. This role will allow me to use my passion for education and equity to inspire students to pursue careers in healthcare and public service.”

Deyci brings to her new role a deep appreciation of the importance of relationships and mentoring, citing “the profound impact” that mentoring students has had on her own growth. While she initially saw it as a way to give back, “I quickly realized it’s a reciprocal process,” she recounts. “The relationships I’ve built with students have been incredibly rewarding, and they have provided me with new perspectives and insights that have enriched my personal and professional life.” She now hopes that her relationships with students in Northeast AHEC will be similarly mutually enriching.