Image de Rainier Mission / Purpose

Originally Image was formed in 1993 as a chapter of The National Image Organization with the idea of promoting diversified employment and assisting Hispanics in the Puget Sound Area addressing the needs of the Hispanic community in Federal and State government employment. Subsequently, expanding the organization's objectives to include all employment, education and civil rights. By working with officials at the highest levels in both public and private sectors it made them aware not only of the Hispanic-American community's needs but also of the pool of talent.

In year 2000 Image of Tacoma was separated from the National Image Chapter and was renamed as Image de Rainier by incorporating as a non-profit organization in the state of Washington then receiving its 1023 approved as a 501(c)(3) by the IRS as an exempt organization (EO) that same year with the purpose of granting Scholarships. Their Mission was extended to read;

• To seek a broad development and expansion of education and employment opportunities for Hispanic Americans.
• To encourage and actively support the recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and carrier advancement of Hispanic Americans in both public and private sectors.
• To become actively involved in the achievement of parity in all aspects of education and employment for Hispanic Americans.
• To counter social and ethic discrimination, overt or covert, wherever and whenever it is encountered against Hispanic Americans.
• To determine the education and professional needs of Hispanic Americans for the purpose of enhancing their entrance to and advancement in employment and to encourage and provide whenever possible appropriate training opportunities.
• To provide employers with specific and definite guidelines for recruitment, training, employment, and advancement of Hispanic Americans.

First President / Founder – Gabriel Ramos

The founder and first president for Image de Rainier was Mr. Gabriel Ramos Diaz who took the endeavor of bringing the Organization where it stands today. Mr. Ramos was born in Cupey Alto, Puerto Rico in 1945, drafted in 1966 during the Vietnam War proudly served in US Army for 20 years. A enthusiastic of the baseball game he refereed and umpired for over 20 years in Germany and

Washington State. After retirement he received his Associate’s Degree in 1989 from Pierce College going to work for the Washington State Department of Employment Security for 15 years.  He was instrumental in forming the Joey Cora Children’s Foundation in 1997.  Mr. Ramos (Gabe as we knew him dearly) deceased June 2^nd, 2007 of a heart attack at his home in Olympia. He is survived by his wife and children whom strives to keep his legacy in Image.

Scholarship – renamed in his honor

That same month our board and membership unanimously decided to name the Image de Rainier Foundation Scholarship to Gabriel Ramos Diaz Scholarship in his honor making it a dream come true of his efforts to make a better life for Hispanic-American.

Scholarships Given To-Date

Image de Rainier have awarded in the past eight years over fifty one thousand dollars ($51,000) to 54 students in the Puget Sound Area and keep on growing. The following is a list of 2007-2008 recipients;

2009 Challenges Invitation

2009 will be a year of enthusiasm and challenges as we strive to keep Gabriel Ramos Legacy.  Just to name a few, there will be expansions to the Scholarship, New Children’s and Communities Programs, New Activities for members and families as well.

Join Us

You can join us with a small donation of $10.00 this year and be part of the new 2009 challenges by filling the attached form. Gabe will thank you for your blessing.

www.ImageDeRainier.Org