Laidlaw Retreat Day 1

May 26, 2026

Laidlaw Leadership & Research Scholar, Barnard College of Columbia University

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I’ve spent the time between my first year of college ending and Laidlaw Scholars Leadership & Research Program beginning thinking about what my research will look like. When I initially submitted my application, I presented a very clear time table of how I want my research to roll out- week by week, day by day. Throughout the morning of our first orientation session, the program coordinator emphasized that research is not meant to be linear- it is designed to be imperfect, ever-evolving and open-ended. That in itself brought me a wave of relief, but also a renewed sense of ambition. Now, instead of feeling like I had to chase perfection in my research, I felt motivated to instead allow my research to take me in the direction it’s meant to.

Adelina Ramirez

Laidlaw Leadership & Research Scholar, Barnard College of Columbia University

Born and raised in San Diego, California, Adelina is a pre-law student majoring in Sociology with interests in education policy, immigration law and the intersections of race and political representation. As a Chicana scholar committed to utilizing well-informed research as a pathway to meaningful action, she believes in uplifting overlooked histories as pathways to empowerment. Her Laidlaw research investigates how the forced displacement of Mexican American families from Chávez Ravine to construct Dodger Stadium shapes the relationship between the L.A. Dodgers and Latino communities.

Outside of being a Laidlaw Scholar, Adelina remains committed to public service by continuing to advocate for youth-centered policy initiatives as Governor Gavin Newsom's appointee to the California Youth Empowerment Commission. She has also worked with New York City's Project Rousseau as an Immigration Legal Services Intern and conducted research with the Columbia University Policy Institute, further developing her interests in civic engagement, educational equity and policy reform. As a Barnard pre-law student, Adelina is committed to pursuing a legal career dedicated to advancing representation and justice for historically marginalized communities.