Recognized for his efforts to decrease gang violence in various communities, Orlando Ramos became one of only three recipients of the 2008 California Peace Price Award. Ramos was also honored with the West Contra Costa 2008 Delta Project Man of Merit Award, distinguishing his service as a youth mentor and positive male role model.

From 2005 to 2008, Orlando Ramos served as High School Principal at West Contra Costa Unified School District in Richmond, California. During his tenure with WCCUSD, Ramos’ leadership directly contributed to tripling the number of AP courses, a 17% increase in students applying for college, a 23% increase in ELD (English Language Development) placement, and a 63% increase of ELL’s (English Language Learners) moving up one of more levels.

Prior to joining the West Contra Costa Unified School District, Orlando Ramos served as Director and Founder of East Harlem Leadership Academy in New York City, where he significantly improved education, curriculum, and student culture at the persistently failing junior high school. Ramos’ efforts recorded an extensive increase in student achievement on statewide exams, as well as a reduction in student suspensions. Orlando Ramos also implemented a valuable music program into student curriculum, the first of its kind in the district.

Orlando Ramos earned his Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and his Master of Education from Cambridge College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Orlando Ramos obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Orlando Ramos is a member of the San Jose Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force.