My name is Karlene Ramirez and I was born on a snowy, Christmas day in 1985 to Georgina Vazquez and Carlos Ramirez, both Puerto Rican, in Bronx, New York. I have two brothers, Steve (who is the youngest), and Carlos (who is the oldest). Growing up I lived in New Jersey and Allentown, Pennsylvania. When I was 10 years old, I moved to Orlando, Florida, and have been here ever since.

In Florida, I attended 5th grade at Englewood Elementary school, Stonewall Jackson Middle School for 6th and 7th grade, and Discovery Middle School for 8th. I proudly graduated from University High School in 2003, and then went off to Valencia Community College (East Campus) where I earned my Associate in Arts degree in General Studies. I then continued my education at the University of Central Florida, and received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal/Organizational Communication in 2007.

During my senior year at UCF, I took part in a cooperative education program (Co-op) with Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) in the Human Resources Department. I was a co-op for about a year, and when I graduated from UCF, OUC offered me a position with the company. I am proud to say that I am still currently employed with OUC, working in the HR Staffing department.

On my spare time I enjoy to model, which I have been doing for 9 years. I have done work in promotional, print, catalog, and runway. I love everything about the industry and would love to continue exploring it for the rest of my life. I am also very passionate about volleyball. I have been playing volleyball for about 14 years. Everything about the sport makes me smile; from “bump, set, spike” to the “rolls”, jump serves, and the crowd cheering you on.  

On July 25th 2009, Gaby Calderon announced me as Miss Mundo Latina US 2009, and I must confess that I was incredibly surprised. My heart was pounding, and my palms were sweaty. My smile was shaking and tears were falling from my eyes. Words could not describe how happy I was! I could not believe that I won, especially knowing that there were 18 other smart, beautiful and incredible women competing for the same prize. I must say that winning this title is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will teach me so many life learning lessons. I want to warmly say thank you to those who believed in me (my parents, friends, family, the judges, and Catherine & Sammy). I promise I won’t let you down. I am proud to say that I am Miss Mundo Latina US 2009!

XOXO,
Karlene Ramirez