Ana Maria Ramirez Sawyer
Ana Maria Ramirez Sawyer is the Coordinator of the Colors of Love Ministry at Mobile First Church of the Nazarene, where she leads initiatives to serve the elderly, disabled, homeless, and underserved members of the community. Under her leadership, the ministry has provided critical support, including transportation through a fully handicap-accessible van funded by a SARPC grant, food, diapers, clothing, financial assistance, and access to essential services. Her work embodies the ministry’s mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus, creating tangible impact in the lives of hundreds of families across Mobile, Alabama.
With over a decade of professional experience as an English-Spanish interpreter and translator, Ana Maria bridges cultural and linguistic gaps in medical, mental health, and community settings. She also delivers educational programs and presentations to the Hispanic community and the broader public, focusing on mental health awareness and advocacy. Her commitment to service extends to previous roles with NAMI Alabama and NAMI on Campus Clubs, where she connected Hispanic communities to local mental health resources and promoted accessible educational programs.
Ana Maria holds a Master of Science in Psychology from the University of South Alabama and has a rich history of volunteerism and leadership in academic, professional, and community settings. She has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Distinguished Service Award from Global Nazarene Missions International and acknowledgment by the Mobile Medical Museum and Old Southern Souls roster. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive spaces for those in need, leveraging her skills, experience, and faith to foster positive change in her community.
• University of South Alabama - M.S.
• Alabama Department of Public Health
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to effective coordination and collaboration. In our ministry, we serve the unhoused, disabled, unemployed, elderly, and underserved members of our community. Together with our partners, we provide essential support such as transportation, food, and diapers, focusing on meeting the needs of the elderly, disabled, homeless, and disadvantaged individuals in our community.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, accessibility, and family. I am grateful for opportunities like the grant from SARPC that provided a fully handicap-accessible van, which has allowed us to better serve our community. Having worked for the Department of Mental Health for 15 years, I deeply value compassion, inclusion, and dedication in my work. Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my three children and grandchildren, traveling, gardening, and enjoying good food and company with friends.