Ramon Meraz

Ramon Meraz was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and emigrated with his family to Orange County in 1985 during high school. In 1993, a chance visit led him to fall in love with Sonoma County, which has been his home ever since.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in Mexican-American Studies from Sonoma State University in 2002, Ramon worked as a substitute teacher before becoming the chief concierge at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa, a position he held for nearly a decade.

In 2014, he received the “Spirit of Sonoma” award from the Sonoma County Lodging Association for his contributions to the tourism industry. While working as a concierge, Ramon also provided high-end hospitality support for prestigious events such as the Napa Valley Film Festival, Sonoma Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Bottle Rock Music Festival, and the 2016 Super Bowl “White Glove Program.”

His focus shifted to community needs after serving on the Human Rights Commission in Sonoma County. This inspired him to return to school and earn a second bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Urban Planning by helping the city of Vallejo create a “Healthy Community Element” for its General Plan. The center received an award from the CA Planners Association for this project.

Upon graduation, he joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program, serving as a communications and data specialist in the Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Housing in 2019, working with homelessness service providers. After one year of service, he moved to Kauai, where he managed a Smoking Cessation Program at Malama Pono Health Services for two years. During the pandemic, Ramon honed his skills in helping people lead healthier lives during this time and got certified in motivational interviewing.

Ramon later spent two years working for Generation Housing as the Director of Community Engagement, avocating for housing production in Sonoma County. He has served on various boards and committees, including the Board of Directors at Restorative Resources of Sonoma County, the “Measure O” Citizen’s Oversight Committee for Santa Rosa, Roseland’s Area Projects Steering Committee, and the initial Community Advisory Council for IOLERO (Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach). 

Currently, he is a board member of “Los Cien”, a Latino leaders group in Sonoma County, where he passionately works to uplift underserved communities. Ramon resides with his partner, Terah, and their spirited 17-year old Chihuahua, Lentil, tending to their edible garden.