Alumni Award Recipients

Carolyn Ramos
Zia Award, 2009

Carolyn Ramos is probably in a New York state of mind, even though she’s here with us in New Mexico today. Her beloved Yankees have returned home for final combat with the Angels for the World Series' berth and Carolyn has some exciting baseball to look forward to . . .

Born and raised in the Big Apple right around the corner from Yankee Stadium, Carolyn grew up cheering on the Yanks and even tried out to become a batgirl for the team.

She didn't become a batgirl, but she still has a childhood claim to fame. Two years before kindergarten, Carolyn was one of the first bilingual children on Sesame Street!

Big Bird did well in instilling in Carolyn the importance of learning her ABCs: after graduating from Middlebury College years later, she joined Teach for America Corps and was a bilingual elementary teacher in Washington D.C.

After fours years of teaching Carolyn decided to go to law school. Her mother, a physician who had moved out to Albuquerque, encouraged Carolyn to consider UNM. Carolyn wanted to be nearer to mom and was willing to give the school a try. She loved it and now calls UNM’s law school one of the state’s “best kept secrets.”

Carolyn earned her JD in 2000. Today she is a shareholder and director with the law firm of Butt Thornton and Baehr in Albuquerque.

Colleagues say Carolyn is a successful attorney because she evaluates cases well, prepares for them thoroughly, and adapts quickly to a situation. Her engaging and friendly personality works in her favor as well, as does her ability to be stern when needed.

Carolyn's outgoing personality and dedication make her an asset to the many professional and community organizations she supports. Carolyn is a past-president of the New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association, and a past-chair of the State Bar of New Mexico Young Lawyers Division. She also contributes her time and talent to the boards of Middlebury College and La Puerta de los Niños Preschool, and volunteers for UNM School of Law Mentorship Program.

Lawyer. Mentor. Community volunteer. Yankees fan. Sesame Street graduate. Also, writer and chef. Carolyn has many talents and interests. The title she’s, perhaps, most proud of? Mother to her 5-year old son, Santiago. I’m guessing he’s going to grow up to be a Yankee’s fan, too . . .

We add another role to that list -- Zia Award winner. With this award, Carolyn, we want to tell you how much we appreciate your unique blend of talent, experience, professional expertise, and character. Congratulations.