Cynthia Ramirez-Martinez ’08 is a fifth-generation Wheaton alumna and third-generation missionary in Mexico. But she didn’t always expect to follow in the footsteps of family members like her mother, Sara Ramirez ’82, or grandmother, Elisabeth Fletcher Isais ’46. 

“All I knew is that I wanted to serve God and be useful for his kingdom,” Cynthia recalls. “I said, ‘If Wheaton is part of that, then let it be.’” 

Wheaton turned out to be a pivotal part of Cynthia’s story. A heavily involved student with organizations including Youth Hostel Ministry, Gospel Choir, and “Jubilee,” an event she organized to unify diverse on-campus groups through worship, Cynthia found that many of her undergraduate involvements paved the way for her current work with the Latino Center for Mobilization (CLM), an organization that seeks to “awaken, involve, and connect the body of Christ in Latin America.” 

Whether by explaining the idea of business as mission or connecting them to an organization relevant to their skills, CLM equips young believers in Mexico City to better reach their community and the world. 

“It’s about getting a very holistic understanding of serving the Lord,” says Cynthia. “There’s no separation between secular and sacred.” 

Inspired by her experience with YHM, Cynthia also helped launch Warm Heart Guesthouse, the first Christian hostel in Mexico. Like CLM, Warm Heart is part of Milamex Ministries, an organization led by Cynthia’s mother. 

“Christian hostels are a strategic way to share the gospel through hospitality and authentic community,” Cynthia notes. “In many ways, I’m doing the same things I was in college, just across more borders. It all comes back to being faithful with what Christ has given me.”