Please join us in welcoming Lizy Garcia Ramirez, DeKalb representative, to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve on the Board, and I look forward to supporting, educating, and having a positive impact for all in DeKalb County,” Lizy said.

Lizy was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and moved to DeKalb with her family at the age of 5. She has called DeKalb home ever since. She is a graduate of DeKalb High School and earned her undergraduate degree in Community Leadership and Civic Engagement, as well as a master’s degree in public administration, from Northern Illinois University.

She has previously served on the DeKalb County Board of Health and the DeKalb County Community Gardens Board. Lizy represents the immigrant community, Latino/a community, and first-generation student communities. She values the resiliency and hope within these communities and appreciates the way the DeKalb community comes together to offer support during challenging times.

Lizy and her husband have two children. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking out, tending to flowers and cactuses, and being outdoors during the warmer months.

The Community Foundation Board of Directors are selected to represent communities throughout DeKalb County. The Board sets policy, formulates strategic planning, and determines priorities in grantmaking. Because of the willingness of these able, effective individuals who donate their time and talents to the ultimate betterment of DeKalb County, the Foundation continues to grow to enhance the quality of life for its citizens.