About Joy

 
 

Reasonable.

Pragmatic.

Fighting for a better Texas.

 

We need a person courageous enough to build a better Texas. I am that person. I am the candidate who will put reason and pragmatism ahead of ideology. I am the woman who is committed to serving ALL Texans in a better, healthier, safer, and more profitable state. I believe that’s possible. I challenge you to believe and I invite you to join me on this mission.

 

English video with Vietnamese subtitles

 

Spanish video with English subtitles

Meet my Family

 

My husband Luis and I have been married for 23 years! That’s a long time by any measure! We met in college in Mexico City at Universidad de Cuautitlan Izcalli. I was in Journalism School. He was in Law School - though he switched careers and became an Engineer. Life has been a rollercoaster.

But, through it all, Luis has been a really brave man. In December of 2021, he had a bicycle accident and needed brain surgery. The surgery went well and he’s healing very quickly - thank God. But, this is not the only time he’s shown how brave he is. Imagine moving to another country with me, learning how to speak a different language, and managing to thrive in this new land. As a friend told me - he said: “I truly admire men who are brave enough to look women in the eye and see them as equals.” Well, that’s Luis. And, I truly admire those men too.

 
 

The ups and downs of life have been worth it. Among the highlights, I must mention our two wonderful kids. Life is funny in a way. I spent years hoping I wouldn’t get pregnant and then years hoping I would. Fourteen years ago, I gave birth to Camila - our oldest. I may be biased but I truly believe she is a gem - an avid reader, an artist, a compassionate young woman who is strong and wise, and athletic (something I’ve never been!) If elected, Camila will be the first - first daughter - to celebrate a Quinceañera in Texas. How wonderful would that be?

Fausto is our 11 year old - our youngest. He loves classical guitar and plays it really well. Fausto has autism and covid was really hard on him. Special Education classes in Texas really struggled during the pandemic and his were no exception. He also got sick with the virus, but, he is strong and caring and takes life in stride and is doing well.

 

My Background

My parents, Juan and Velia Ramirez raised me to selflessly put others before myself. My father lived a life devoted to serving others who struggled to make it through the day. Because of them I grew up learning about the transformational power of se

My parents, Juan and Velia Ramirez raised me to selflessly put others before myself. My father lived a life devoted to serving others who struggled to make it through the day. Because of them I grew up learning about the transformational power of serving others.

I helped my parents build clinics, an elementary school, bathrooms, showers, and a dining hall where kids who lived in a garbage dump could eat breakfast every morning.

I helped my parents build clinics, an elementary school, bathrooms, showers, and a dining hall where kids who lived in a garbage dump could eat breakfast every morning.

During my childhood my parents were missionaries in the community in Mexico City.

During my childhood my parents were missionaries in the community in Mexico City.

I helped at hospital for people with leprosy. Most patients there had lost their fingers and toes to the disease, many had no noses or ears. They were loving and taught me a lot about acceptance, gratitude, and life lessons I carry with me to this d

I helped at hospital for people with leprosy. Most patients there had lost their fingers and toes to the disease, many had no noses or ears. They were loving and taught me a lot about acceptance, gratitude, and life lessons I carry with me to this day.

This drive to help others stems from my parents. I want to roll up my sleeves and do the job I know many hard-working Texans deserve from their leaders.

This drive to help others stems from my parents. I want to roll up my sleeves and do the job I know many hard-working Texans deserve from their leaders.