Advocating for migrants, women

FREMONT — A local woman was recently honored for her civil rights leadership. Mónica Ramírez — founder and president of Justice for Migrant Women, located in Fremont — won the 2026 MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Social Justice Award from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. This award recognized Ramírez for her efforts in advancing justice for migrant women and families, according to a press release. She is celebrated for her advocacy against gender-based violence and discrimination against migrant and rural women. Her commitment to advancing equity, dignity and justice aligns with the core values of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. She was presented the award by Karine Jean-Pierre, political adviser and 35th White House press secretary, earlier this month in Atlanta. Ramírez joins a distinguished list of honorees, including Billie Eilish, Viola Davis, Sesame Workshop, Robert F. Smith, the Lebron James Family Foundation and others. "To be recognized in this way and in the spirit of Dr. King's vision is deeply humbling," Ramírez said. "I accept this honor on behalf of migrant women and families whose courage and resilience continue to inspire my work and move us closer to the future Dr. King envisioned," Ramírez added. "This is a reminder that justice is not built in isolation but through collective action and systems grounded in care and dignity that stand with those whose lives and labor are too often rendered invisible." Ramírez's advocacy began at age 14. Her family has roots in agricultural work, which sparked her desire to support migrant communities and justice. In 2004, she became a civil rights attorney and then started the first U.S. legal initiative calling out gender discrimination in agriculture. In 2014, Ramírez founded Justice for Migrant Women, now an award-winning national organization. Through the organization, she builds the power of migrant and rural women through education, advocacy, public awareness and narrative change. Last October, she was also inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame.