We first got to know Alberto Ramos when he was a teenager volunteering some of his time with VISIONS Dominican Republic programs. His parents, Lidia and Santos, were longtime members of the Lions Club, VISIONS primary nonprofit partner in the D.R. and a cornerstone for our program almost from the moment we started in 1991.
In 1996, Alberto joined VISIONS officially as a member of the leader team, and he’s been the D.R. director for more than 15 years. He also moved from child of Lions Club members to being a member himself, serving as club president and treasurer for several years.
Alberto’s club — Club de Leones Santo Domingo Sabana Perdida — has been recognized as one of the top five chapters in world for its work, which includes projects such as building schools with the help of VISIONS volunteers. These schools now serve more than 3,000 children every year.
In March, Alberto was recognized as Lions Club member of the year, among 59 very active clubs in the D.R. He was feted during huge ceremony in Santo Domingo, and gave a speech in front of 600 people, including his parents (still active Lions), his wife Kenia (VISIONS cook) and his three kids. After these years of hard work and leadership, he says it was an emotional and gratifying moment. Congratulations, Alberto.