From her native Caguas to Indiana, Alicia Ramírez Méndez is forging a future filled with hope and care for animals. As a distinguished scholarship recipient of the Kinesis Foundation and a student in the Veterinary Medicine Doctoral Program at Purdue University, Alicia’s love for animals has taken her far, and she is just getting started.
Alicia has received numerous accolades for her academic efforts, including being named to the Dean’s List in her first year of veterinary school, receiving the Excellence Award from the Department of Agriculture at UPRM, and the Luis Stefani Raffucci Award from UPRM. Upon graduating in 2023, she was honored with the Manuel A. Lugo López Award for the highest academic achievement and the Antonio Gonzales Chapel Award as the top student in the agriculture program.
Alicia discovered the Kinesis Foundation through an announcement and recommendations from several university peers. Upon joining Kinesis, she felt part of a group of Puerto Rican youth dedicated to helping Puerto Rico through their achievements.
The Kinesis Foundation has been pivotal in Alicia’s journey to success, helping her cover her veterinary studies and allowing her to focus on becoming a veterinarian who provides excellent care to her patients and clients.
Thanks to Kinesis’ support, Alicia has been able to reduce her academic debt and continue advancing her career at a prestigious university. She believes that without Kinesis’ support, her path to higher education would have been much more challenging, and she is grateful for the opportunity provided by the Kinesis Foundation.
Alicia advises other students to be perseverant and pursue their dreams with determination. She believes that everyone has a purpose in life, and once discovered, it should be pursued to the end. In her path toward veterinary medicine, Alicia has faced challenges but has overcome these obstacles by developing other skills and focusing on the importance of teamwork. Thanks to her perseverance and Kinesis’ support, she is now studying at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine in Indiana.
Upon graduating in 2027, Alicia plans to become a veterinarian specializing in food production animals and exotic animals. She also intends to combine her clinical work with an academic career to share her knowledge with students. She hopes to work both in Puerto Rico and the United States, exposing island students to techniques and systems from both regions.
In her free time, Alicia enjoys drawing animals in pencil and playing the violin, particularly compositions by Vivaldi and some modern songs. She also engages in crafting, specially making Christmas ornaments with her family, and enjoys listening to music from diverse cultures to relax.
Alicia Ramírez’s inspiring story is a testament to how dedication, curiosity, and the right support can open unimaginable doors. Her journey continues to motivate other young people to follow her and achieve their own goals.
At the Kinesis Foundation, we are committed to providing invaluable opportunities for talented young individuals like Alicia to reach their dreams and transform their futures.
Join today and be part of this lasting impact on the lives of our youth.
