Meet Alma Ramos | Speaker, Mindset Coach, & DEI Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alma Ramos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alma, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks was something that was not encouraged of me growing up. There were many reasons for that. 1. I’m a woman of color, therefore all the messaging around me has been to be cautious and aware of all the danger that lurks around every corner that will take advantage of me. 2. I’m a grandchild of immigrants, therefore any risk I take will not only affect me but could also impact my community. 3. I’m Black and Mexican, consequently the odds are stacked against me for the risks to work to my advantage. 4. I’m a first-generation college student, white-collar worker, and eldest daughter in a BIPOC family, therefore I have the responsibility of leading my siblings and cousins to the “pathway towards success.” So in short, the expectation was to take the “safest” path: get good grades, go to college, and get a stable 9-5 job.
Although I started off following this path pretty well, I got bored of it. My first risk began with choosing where I would go to college. The expectation was an in-state school. The reality was I wanted to go out of state– which was a shock to my family who lived within a 20-minute radius of each other. Then once I got into said school, I changed my major… twice. Once I graduated, I decided that I did not want to come home and instead move to an even further state that would require either a 2.5-hour flight or a 14-hour drive. Needless to say, my family was worried about all the risks I was taking on my future. However, one person always believed in me and my crazy path. My mom.
One day, she told me, “You are someone that once your mind is made up on something, you’re going to do it. And it scared me at first, but then you kept doing well. So I had to learn to trust you and your instincts because that’s what we taught you to do. And from now on, I know that if you ever need us, we will be here for you and will help you however we can.” Hearing that from my mother who has worked hard all of her life and has done everything for the betterment of her family meant everything to me. And so I began trusting myself more too. I continued to take risks knowing that I have the work ethic, motivation, and community support from back home.
When it came time to create my business, I still felt hesitant because this felt like thee risk. The one that would be unstable, with no promises of success, or a team to rely on. So I reflected on my journey and how I got to where I am. Yes, taking risks is, well, risky! But taking these risks also developed the trust I have in myself and my capabilities. And why not create a business that empowers others to take a risk on themselves and their own capabilities? That led to the birth of Full Bloom Consulting– a space that sees certain risks as an opportunity for growth and recognizes the power in individuals and communities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Full Bloom Consulting focuses on empowering BIPOC professionals and students to reach the growth you imagined. We approach everything we do with a DEI lens and recognize the importance of intersectionality. As a Black and Mexican, queer woman, it was important to create a space where people like me felt safe, heard, and empowered to achieve success on their own terms.

This business has been YEARS in the making. It took a lot of asking questions and preparation and trust in my own abilities. It took a whole community of support for Full Bloom to get to where it is today, which is why Community is one of our core values.

What sets Full Bloom apart is that we take special consideration of the individual needs of ourselves and our communities. I do not believe in a “one-size fits all” method, therefore it is important to understand each person has their own journey that has gotten them to where they are.

All of our services have a DEI lens and create a community of positivity and hyping each other up! I’ve loved seeing this in every aspect of my work! Whether it’s the monthly group coaching calls, the DEI strategizing I’ve done in collaboration with other consulting firms, or the workshops I have led with a diverse audience. Everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and become the person they have always imagined themselves to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m still a pretty recent Bay Area Baddie so I’m still discovering all that this wonderful area has to offer because there is SO MUCH. My favorite thing is to eat, so let me give you the ultimate itinerary for whenever you come to Oakland.

1. Breakfast at Brenda’s Oakland. You HAVE to get their Flight of Beignets. Everything is delicious on the menu.
2. Do some shopping at the local stores in Temescal that feature local bookstores, thrifting, and tons of small businesses.
3. Get some lunch at Tacos La San Marqueña and take it to Lake Merritt for a cute little picnic. Something exciting is always happening at the lake so get ready for some entertainment.
4. End the night with a delicious dinner at MAMA with the must-order Foccacia bread and Meatballs. They have a prix fixe menu and it has never disappointed the 582 times I’ve been there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this to my incredible family who has supported me throughout my journey, even at times when they were worried. They are the reason I continue to move forward and inspire me to create a better future for them and our next generation. I cannot thank you all enough for trusting in me and my vision.

Website: https://thisisfullbloom.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisfullbloom/ | @thisisfullbloom

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thisisfullbloom/

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thisisfullbloom