Metro is proud to announce Alex Madrigal Ramirez’s participation in King County’s 2022-2023 Ruth Woo Emerging Leader Fellowship program.

“Alex has also taken a leadership role in launching Metro’s first Employee Resource Group dedicated to immigrants and refugees, and he is the voice of Metro in onboard announcements about the Free Youth Transit Pass,” said Rachel Wilch, a Metro Government Relations Administrator.

Ramirez called the fellowship an amazing career development opportunity.

A smiling Alex Madrigal Ramirez holds a certificate of completion for the Ruth Woo Fellowship. King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski stands to his left with Council member Joe McDermott stands to his right.
Alex, center, flanked by King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Joe McDermott.

“I’m proud to have been selected because I was given the opportunity to contribute to work that greatly benefits the community, particularly those with the greatest needs,” said Ramirez, who works in Metro’s Safety and Security Division on a temporary assignment. “I’m pleased to have gotten the opportunity to engage with local government when I otherwise wouldn’t have, thanks to the Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellowship.”

The fellowship program honors revered community leader Ruth Woo, a mentor to many elected officials who dedicated her life to public service.

Alex played a critical role in the Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance Division, and working on various policy initiatives in Finance and Administration, and in the Mobility Division, Wilch said.

“Alex has left his mark at Metro, both through his work assignments and through projects he’s taken on outside of his immediate work groups,” Wilch said. He has been instrumental in launching training modules in Metro’s safety section, in developing monthly general manager’s reports, and in authoring a legislative package to extend the reduced LIFT low-income transit fare.

To honor her many contributions to our communities and state, King County offers six, year-long paid fellowships building on Ruth Woo’s legacy and achievements. Fellows selected are those who demonstrate their commitment to empowering and advocating for youth from economically disadvantaged communities that have historically lacked opportunities to further educational and career aspirations.

Congratulations, Alex! Your colleagues at Metro are so proud of you.