Meet Our Day Camp Team: Jennifer Ramirez
Jennifer Ramirez, Senior Regional Program Director of the YMCA of Metro Chicago, was born and raised in Chicago. She has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership, Cognitive Studies, and Child Development. She currently teaches college classes at night and on the weekends and sits on the board of the Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC). She has been working at the Y for just over a year and loves supporting growth and development of youth in a safe and fun environment.
Q: What do you like most about the work that the Y does?
A: I like how the Y continues to support staff in professional development to ensure they are well equipped and knowledgeable for the work they do
Q: What is your favorite part about Day Camp at the Y?
A: Seeing the kids have fun and watching them develop new friendships.
Q: What is your favorite memory from Day Camp at the Y?
A: [My favorite memory is from] last summer, when the counselors and kids sang and danced to the YMCA song.
Q: What are you most proud of in your career so far?
A: [I’m most proud of] helping start and run a program that provided free childcare for Illinois Veterans.
Q: What’s one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
A: I am colorblind.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be (and why)?
A: To make myself invisible — because I enjoy silence, and typically, silence is awkward for people.
Q: What’s the last song you listened to?
A: “End Game” by Taylor Swift.
Q: What’s one thing on your bucket list?
A: Go to Hawaii.
The YMCA of Metro Chicago believes in the power of play. We play for fun and for progress. Day Camp at the Y empowers Chicagoland youth to do mighty things — making friends, developing new skills, creating life-shaping experiences, and so much more!
Our experienced and talented counselors and staff are committed to making sure your camper experiences a full day of play, exploration, learning, and personal growth. Here at the Y, we want to show off our Day Camp team’s amazing talents and contributions to our community — and find even more talented, community-oriented individuals who want to work at the YMCA!