Member of the Year: Rachel Ramirez
Rachel Ramirez is a writer and reporter on CNN’s Climate team, covering climate change, energy, and climate solutions. She focuses on breaking news, trending stories, and deeply-reported narratives that help CNN readers understand how the climate crisis affects all aspects of their lives. She is the co-founder of AAJA’s Pacific Islander Task Force, co-director of AAJA's young professionals network or Yung AAJA, and the co-chair of this year's AAJA Convention Planning Committee. Currently based in New York City, Ramirez was born and raised on the island of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory north of Guam.
ABOUT THE RECIPIENT: Rachel Ramirez exemplifies the spirit of AAJA's Member of the Year through her outstanding contributions to the organization, her leadership and initiative, and her dedication and commitment to AAJA's mission. She is co-director of our largest Affinity Group, Yung AAJA, ensuring that early-career members find paths for themselves. Additionally, as the co-chair of the Convention Programming Committee, Ramirez managed the challenging responsibility of planning our annual convention. She has excelled in both roles with professionalism and grace.