Advice I'd give to my younger self
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Delia Ramirez for Congress logo

 

Hi John – I've done a lot of interviews over the course of my career, but one of my favorite questions has to be: "What's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self?"

 

And my mind immediately goes to the little girl from Humboldt Park. 
Delia (left) and her two siblings

John, my story starts before the picture above was taken – before I was even born, really. 

 

My parents came to the US over 40 years ago, while my mom was still pregnant with me. Once here, my parents settled in a tiny apartment above Humboldt Park United Methodist Church. 

 

And although they worked long hours at multiple jobs to make ends meet, they still made sure to teach me and my siblings the importance of helping people in our community. We regularly volunteered at our church’s homeless shelter and food pantry, and I developed a passion for public service. 

 

I was a senior in high school when I became the "mail lady" for 2,000 people with no permanent address, helping them where I could by chasing down job leads and benefit referrals from social workers. 

 

I was only 21 when I became the Executive Director for Humboldt Park Social Services, where I continued to help people suffering from homelessness get back on their feet and find jobs and permanent housing. 

 

Although it wasn't in my original plan, I was in my 30's when I ran for a seat in the Illinois House – and I won! And during my time in Springfield, I was a champion for affordable housing, an elected school board for Chicago Public Schools, and providing healthcare to seniors regardless of immigration status.

 

But I wasn't done yet, John – I decided to run for Congress. And in 2022, I became the first Latina member from the Midwest and the only member to come from a mixed-status household! Now, I'm fighting my hardest to protect our democracy, find real solutions to our issues at the southern border, and lower costs for our working families. 

 

All of this is to say that when I think about little Delia, or the sophomore in high school who didn't know if she'd make it to junior year, I just want to tell her: 

Don't give up on yourself.

Because in spite of the hardships, in spite of the struggles, we made it. And because we made it, I've had the incredible opportunity to stand up and make real changes, in our community and beyond. 

 

I'd love to continue, but my team and I need your help to set my reelection campaign up for success. My movement is people-first and people-powered, which is why I'm reaching out to ask my friends and neighbors: will you support me and my team with a donation of any amount today?

Thank you, 

Congresswoman Delia Ramirez 
 
Delia Ramirez

Delia Ramirez has dedicated her life and career to public service and advocating for working families. She is a deeply rooted community leader and public servant whose values are informed by her upbringing as the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants.

In 2022, Delia was elected to represent Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District and became the first Latina Congresswoman in the Midwest. In just a few months in Congress, she has introduced legislation with bipartisan support to help student veterans, is co-leading the Dream and Promise Act, and is introducing legislation that gives tenants the right to organize. She serves as Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, and sits on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. She is also a Board Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) PAC, and CPC Special Order Hour Convener.

Delia also serves as Co-Chair of the Strengthening Democracy Task Force, as well as Vice Chair of the Equal Rights Amendment Caucus. She is a fighter who is determined to deliver for her constituents, and is working everyday to achieve equitable distribution of resources for Illinois infrastructure, clean energy, transportation, housing, healthcare, and jobs. She also advocates for federal resources so that Illinois may continue to be a welcoming state for new arrivals and asylum seekers.

Prefer to donate via mail? Please address a check to:

United with Delia for Congress
PO Box 47927
Chicago, IL. 60647
Paid for by United with Delia for Congress

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