Marlen Ramirez
Marlen Ramirez is a dedicated Community Health Worker, Health Equity Advocate, and Public Health Professional based in Eagle Pass, Texas. Drawing from her own lived experience as a teenage mother, Marlen has spent over a decade working to bridge gaps in health education and access for underserved communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. She began her career in education, following students from high school into college, and quickly recognized the critical need for health education to support young people in making informed decisions. This realization inspired her to transition into community health work, where she could combine her passion for education with public health advocacy.
As the founder of Better Futures Forever, Marlen has created one of the only state-certified training centers in Texas that equips high school students and professionals to become certified Community Health Workers. Through this initiative, she not only provides professional development for healthcare workers but also engages youth in health promotion programs, such as teen pregnancy prevention initiatives and community outreach campaigns. Marlen’s innovative DuckDuck Health BFF Movement, which uses rubber duckies to deliver positive health messages, exemplifies her creative approach to connecting with communities in meaningful and relatable ways.
Marlen’s impact has been recognized at local, state, and national levels. She received the David C. Willey Award from the Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, was nominated for the Empowering Women of Del Rio Award, and was honored with the Healthy Teen Network Outstanding Former Young Parent Award in 2023. Alongside running Better Futures Forever with her family, all of whom are certified Community Health Workers, Marlen continues her work as a case manager and public speaker, advocating for health equity and empowering communities to make healthier choices. Her career embodies a commitment to education, service, and leadership, leaving a lasting legacy in community health across southwest Texas.
• State Certified Community Health Worker Training Center
• Sul Ross State University - MPA
• 2023 Outstanding Parent Award from National Organization Focused on Adolescent Health
• Recognition by Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
• State and Local Recognition for Community Health Work
• National Association of Community Health Workers
• State Board for Community Health Workers (former member)
• DuckDuck Health BFF Movement
• Community Board Service
• Local Community Health Outreach
• Maverick County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Hope - K
• ALAS
• Maverick County Coalition against Drugs
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my early life experiences, particularly becoming a teenage mother, which revealed the gaps in access to resources and education within community health. That realization inspired me to begin my career as a Community Health Educator, focusing on teen pregnancy prevention and outreach, and ultimately led me to launch Better Futures Forever (BFF), an organization dedicated to educating community health workers and expanding access to critical resources. Driven by a passion for creating meaningful change, I pursued higher education—earning a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences and a Master’s in Public Administration—to amplify my impact. Today, I continue to empower others, lead with purpose, and create lasting change in underserved communities.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simply to keep going. Balancing a full-time job, running my own initiatives, and being a mom can be challenging, but hearing encouragement from others—that what I’m doing matters and is making an impact—has been incredibly motivating. That validation reminds me that persistence matters, and it has taught me to never give up, even when the path feels difficult. Knowing that my work positively affects others keeps me moving forward and striving to create meaningful change.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to first give yourself credit for what you’ve already accomplished. It’s easy to focus only on goals ahead, but acknowledging your progress and showing up consistently is already a significant achievement. Be patient with yourself, trust the process, and remember that growth takes time. With consistency and self-compassion, you’ll find that your efforts do lead to meaningful results.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is funding. Public health has always faced resource constraints, and while grants can provide support, they are often temporary. This reality inspired me to create Better Futures Forever, starting as a small business with the goal of eventually becoming a nonprofit. Another challenge is access—people can sometimes be hesitant—but staying focused on our mission and vision helps guide our work. Despite these obstacles, there are significant opportunities in building relationships, networking, and remaining committed to creating meaningful impact in our communities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My children and family are at the center of my life, and I strive to lead by example in everything I do. I am guided by integrity, honesty, resilience, and compassion—values that shape both my personal and professional journey. My commitment to making a difference extends beyond my career into my community, where I actively give back through volunteer work with the Maverick County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and as a member of HOPE-K.
Locations
Better Futures Forever
Eagle Pass, TX 78852