As a proud Atlanta native, Nancy Ramirez (B.A. ’19, M.A. ’20, J.D. ’26) knew she wanted to stay close to home for college. As one of the first in her family to pursue higher education, earning an undergraduate degree already put her in unfamiliar territory, and graduate studies did not even seem possible.
But Ramirez excelled in her religious studies program, graduating summa cum laude, Georgia State University’s highest academic honor. This achievement caught the attention of GSU Associate Professor Molly Basset, chair of religious studies, who encouraged her to apply for the master's degree program and continue her education.
In her graduate research, Ramirez focused on medical ethics, specifically whether various hospital protocols complied with laws regarding patients’ religious practices. Many medical decisions are guided by personal beliefs, which caused Ramirez to make a connection between her religious studies and the laws governing health care.
Looking back, Ramirez can see how this research showed her how she could one day use the law to make a difference in people’s lives.
“Georgia State University began shaping me into a lawyer before I even knew I would become one.”
But, it was not until she began working as an immigration paralegal after graduation, handling family immigration matters and U-visas, that she was able to see the direct impact of her advocacy.
“I remember the first time I called someone to tell them that their work permit had been approved,” she said. “A work permit is not legal status, but it gives an individual the ability to drive and work in the U.S., which is an integral part of dignity. In that moment, I knew I wanted to become an attorney because I wanted to help people.”
Weighing the pros and cons of different law schools with her family, Ramirez returned to her alma mater to complete her education as a Triple Panther.
Throughout law school, Nancy Ramirez (B.A. '19 M.A. '20 J.D. '26) sought opportunities to broaden her perspective and her skill set.
“I value Georgia State Law’s location in the heart of the city,” she said. “I thrive in a city environment and cannot imagine being anywhere else. Having courthouses and legal institutions nearby has been especially meaningful, because I can easily observe trials or attend oral arguments, which has enriched my legal education in a very real and practical way.”
Throughout law school, Ramirez intentionally sought opportunities to broaden her perspective and her skill set. She interned as a judicial clerk for Judge Benjamin W. Cheesbro of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia and for Judge Elizabeth Gobeil of the Georgia Court of Appeals. She also served as a student attorney in the Community Development & Entrepreneurship Law Clinic’s first cohort. These activities gave her a wide range of experiences, from courtroom procedure to transactional practice.
In addition to pursuing practical experience, Ramirez built relationships with her classmates in several student organizations. She joined Georgia State University Law Review in her first year, rising to serve as an associate articles editor by her third year, and became vice-president of Be Your Own Boss, a student organization that invites solo practitioners to share practical advice for students looking to launch their own firms.
Ramirez was also elected president of the Immigration Law Society in her third year, guiding the organization during a difficult period for immigration advocacy, when frequent changes in immigration policy and enforcement often left legal scholars and practitioners struggling to meet growing demands for advocacy.
Despite those challenges, the organization thrived, earning “Student Organization of the Year" in spring 2026.
“Although it has been difficult at times to be an advocate, I have remained committed to using my voice and ensuring it is loud enough for those who cannot speak publicly,” she said. “This award reaffirmed the importance of that work.”
Ramirez’s advocacy extends beyond the walls of the law school. Through her work with the Georgia Latino Law Foundation (GLLF), where she serves as a director of the Judicial Internship Program, Ramirez builds pathways for other future attorneys to access experiential learning and build strong mentorship networks.
Founded by alumna Judge Ana Maria Martinez (J.D. ’09), the GLLF connected Ramirez to another fellow alumna who became her mentor, Lina Machado Bejarano (J.D. ’19).
Bejarano, an associate at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, introduced Ramirez to attorneys who shared their experiences and insights, helping her better understand the practice.
“Nancy is a thoughtful and driven student whose academic accomplishments and professional experience are matched by her deep engagement in the Georgia legal community,” Machado said. “She is an exceptional ambassador for Georgia State Law and the GLLF, demonstrating a genuine commitment to professional development and to strengthening the pipeline for future Latino attorneys across Georgia.”
Some of the most meaningful moments for Ramirez happened with the people who know her best. As the first future lawyer in her family, she shared the experience with her loved ones every step of the way, considering their inclusion one of her many accomplishments. She brought her brother to law school events along the way and even invited him to serve as a witness during her Advocacy trial.
“My dad has accompanied me to classes since I was admitted and even attended the Admitted Students Day event with me,” she shared proudly. “This semester, Professor Kendall Kerew told him he would make an excellent law student, which meant a great deal to him. It has been very meaningful to see my family fully immerse themselves in the experience with me.”
Ramirez recognized that many of the opportunities she found at Georgia State came because someone helped widen her sense of what was possible, opening doors that had previously been closed. Family members, faculty mentors, alumni connections and student organizations all encouraged her to achieve at the highest levels, and their support shapes her approach to leadership. Ramirez now works to hold those same doors open and make the pathway more visible for those coming behind her.
“I hope to give back to the communities that invested in me and mentor future generations,” Ramirez said. “Maybe one day, I’ll return to GSU as a professor. That would truly bring everything full circle.”