By Wyatt Miller
Lila Ramirez's upbringing inspired her to follow a community-centered path. Growing up as an only child who relied on summer lunches at the park taught her the power of community.
Her parents' emphasis on hard work and giving back, along with her experiences as a child, set her on a path "where helping others wasn't just a career choice, it was a responsibility," she said.
Ramirez joined the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank nearly 19 years ago for what was supposed to be a temporary job lasting three months. It opened her eyes to the impact that could be made at a place like that, and decided to stay. "I realized that serving others wasn't just work, I found my purpose," she said.
In November, the Rams surprised Ramirez as the 13th and final Rams "pLAymaker" of 2025, presenting her with a $5,000 check made out to the LA Regional Food Bank.
"Being named a 'pLAymaker' is an honor because it reflects the full circle of my journey," Ramirez said. "I grew up in South Central Los Angeles, relying on community support while my parents worked long hours, sometimes two jobs. To now be someone who uplifts others feels incredibly meaningful. It means using my experiences and compassion to create hope and opportunities for those who need it most."
The LA Regional Food Bank is a nonprofit organization that has been fighting hunger in Los Angeles since 1973. They put together dozens of programs and services as well as events and campaigns with the goal of maximizing their funds and volunteers to feed as many people as possible. Their goal is for nobody to go hungry in Los Angeles.
Over the past two decades, thousands of small interactions have showed Ramirez the impact that she and her colleagues at have on people and families in need. Whenever she hears "thank you" and "God bless you" or sees the smiles on people's faces when they receive food, she knows that she's making a difference.
"My mission is to help ensure families receive not only food, but dignity and support," Ramirez said. "I want every distribution and program to reflect service, compassion and consistency so no child or family feels alone."
That made her realize that their work wasn't just the act of distributing food, "It was giving people a sense of stability and hope," she said. "Those moments made it clear that the work I do matters and that every action no matter how small leaves an imprint on someone's life."
Virtually all of Ramirez's adult life has been dedicated to inspiring change in people's lives.
"It means leading with compassion and showing others what's possible through action," Ramirez said. "Inspiring change is about being the spark that encourages people to believe in themselves and in their community.
"We inspire change by showing up and caring. Whether it's volunteering, supporting local programs or helping neighbors, every act of kindness matters. Real change starts with each of us choosing to lift someone else up."
