Quick Jump to Session:
Dr. Ramon Resa
with moderator Laura Zimmerman
Recorded July 22nd, 2020
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Dr. Ramon Resa with moderator Laura Zimmerman, July 22, 2020
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Dr. Ramon Resa was raised by his grandparents, one of 15 children, in the tiny community of Goshen, CA in the central valley. His childhood was one of poverty, neglect, abuse, and total disregard for education. He struggled with low self-esteem, a speech impediment, recurring depression, and prejudice. His world turned around when his 2nd grade teacher noticed how much he loved to read, and opened his eyes to the idea of becoming a doctor. He was the first one in his family to attend college. Upon completing his medical education, Dr. Resa returned to the San Joaquin Valley to open his pediatric practice in Porterville, CA, where he has spent the last three decades working with poor and under-served children, much like the child he was.
A documentary of his life, Ramon Rising, is currently in production. Through Dr. Resa’s public appearances, keynote speeches, and his book Out of the Fields: My Journey From Farmworker Boy to Pediatrician, Dr. Resa has educated and inspired parents, students, educators, medical professionals, and business groups across the country to keep hopes and dreams alive, even when the dreams seem impossible.
Laura Zimmerman is the former Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation where she served for over 6 years. She has a strong background in communications, fundraising, and community service.
Laura became involved in school related activities as her own children entered the California public school system. Volunteering for a decade or so led her to choose a path in the non-profit sector. She worked with Paul Newman’s camp for seriously ill children called ‘The Painted Turtle,’ and also served as the Director of Development for the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance.
Previously, Laura worked in television news as a reporter and anchor. She reported the daily news for several Bay Area TV Stations including KNTV, KGO-TV and KTVU.
She and her husband Jeff have three grown children and they are also grape growers in the Sonoma Valley.

Get ready to join Ramon in conversation, Wednesday, July 22.
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