Alfred Ramirez was recruited to start up and lead Diversity Focus, an organization that serves as a clearinghouse to leverage existing programs and create new programs and activities that celebrate, promote, and create better multi-cultural awareness and understanding in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor. He is the former president of the National Community for Latino Leadership, Inc.,  a national leadership development think tank, clearinghouse and technical assistance provider for emerging and established leaders who promote the social, cultural, and economic advancement of the Latino community and the broader community.

Mr. Ramirez has served in various leadership positions in both the public and private sectors.  He began his professional life as faculty adviser and assistant director of admissions and minority recruitment at Columbia University. He was director of a national initiative of the Mattel Foundation and Institute for Educational Leadership to innovatively involve children, parents, and communities in their schools. As president of the 2000 Regional Partnership, Mr. Ramirez led this non-profit coalition in the areas of public safety, housing, environmental growth and government accountability. Mr. Ramirez was also the managing director for Inroads Los Angeles, where he trained and developed young minority leaders. He has worked as a human resource specialist and corporate recruiter, and was special assistant to former San Antonio mayor Henry Cisneros.

Mr. Ramirez has held several White House appointments. He was named Special Assistant to the President and Associate Director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. He later served as Senior Advisor at the Corporation for National Service and Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.

His commitment to national and community development has been recognized throughout the country. He has received several prestigious awards: the Council for Opportunity in Education Distinguished Alumnus Award, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's National Leadership Fellowship, the National Urban Fellowship, National Network of Hispanic Women Award, and recognition as one of Hispanic Business Magazine's 100 Influentials.

Mr. Ramirez has been an adviser and board member for a number of organizations including City Cares, the Community Leadership Association, Values Institute of America, and the Alliance for Redesigning Government.  His areas of expertise include leadership development, diversity and multiculturalism, professional and personal development, training and facilitation, evaluation, grant selection/writing/management, communication, strategic planning, education and public policy. Mr. Ramirez is a frequent keynote speaker, trainer and facilitator for public and private organizations, businesses, and universities in communities nationwide. Mentoring plays a large role in all of his activities.

Mr. Ramirez earned a B.A. in Political Science and Urban Studies from Columbia University in New York and attended graduate studies in Public Administration at Bernard M. Baruch College, City University of New York. Mr. Ramirez is originally from East Los Angeles, California and currently resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.