Merriam-Webster defines ‘community’ as a unified body of individuals; The word's meaning is rooted in unity, meaning a quality of oneness. The dictionary also defines the word ‘leader’ as a person who leads, guides, conducts, or directs. Strong communities are often led by unifying leaders. Kennett Square is one such community, filled with individuals and organizations who serve and give voice to our minority neighbors. At Kennett Square Neighbors, we believe these bellwethers of diversity, equity, and inclusion should be celebrated, so we are dedicating this new magazine section, CommUNITY Leaders, to them.

Kennett Square is called the Mushroom Capital and, as such, has a large immigrant population. Nancy Ayllón-Ramírez was raised in one of those hardworking families. She moved here

from Mexico when she was just six years old, not speaking a word of English. Within two years, she mastered her new language and embraced her new American way of life. After graduating from Kennett High School in 2005, Nancy attended Bloomsburg University, graduating cum laude with dual degrees in Sociology and Spanish. She returned to Kennett to work as

a case manager at Maternal and Child Health Consortium, but it was her job as a legal assistant that sparked her desire to become a lawyer. She saw a need for more bilingual attorneys and knew that this was what she wanted to do with her life. “It became my passion — helping others provide brighter futures for their families,” declares Nancy. After passing the Pennsylvania bar exam and working as a staff attorney at a Philadelphia-based nonprofit, Nancy again returned to her hometown and joined Karen Eichman of Eichman Law, PLLC as a bilingual attorney, focusing mainly on family-based immigration cases. Trying to reach as many Kennett Square and surrounding area neighbors as possible, Nancy regularly hosts Facebook and Instagram video sessions, providing free legal advice, information, and referrals to the Spanish-

speaking community. She has been featured on Philadelphia’s Telemundo news channel three times and was recently a guest on the Latinx podcast, “Los Amigos,” speaking on issues related to the Supreme Court’s recent DACA ruling.

“My calling is to give back to the community. To go above and beyond. I learned that from my father, who is the most respectful, helpful, congenial person I know,” Nancy says. Given her volunteer work, it’s clear that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Nancy serves on the board of both the Kennett Education Foundation and Youth Community Forward, is on the Outreach Subcommittee of Family Promise, and is a member of the Longwood Rotary Club, where she is one of only a few minority members. “It’s been a learning experience for both them and me,” Nancy admits, “but it has also been

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NANCY AYLLÓN-RAMÍREZBy Lauren Dewey Tarr

EMPLOYMENTWILLS

TRUSTS

IMMIGRATIONFAMILY LAWAND MORE

We are your friendly, neighborhood attorneys—

helping you meet your business, employment and family goals!

CALL US TODAY 484-734-0378KAREN E. EICHMAN ATTORNEY

NANCY AYLLÓN-RAMÍREZ

ATTORNEY

8 Federal Road, Suite 3 West Grove, PA 19390 • 484-734-0378Se habla Español

PHOT

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A D

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Nancy Ayllón-Ramírez

Nancy speaking at WCU

KENNETT SQUARE NEIGHBORS | AUGUST 202022 | COMMUNITY LEADERS

PET CORNER

Peafowl may not be the first animal that comes to mind when you hear the term, “family pet,” but this beautiful bird is just that to Winden Rowe and her two grown sons. Gemini LoveBird, an 8-year-old Indian Blue peacock, is not only a beloved member of the Rowe family, he is also a bit of a local celebrity, thanks to his curious nature and friendly demeanor. He loves attention and has been known to wander out of the yard to visit a nearby elementary school on occasion. “Little kids think he’s the coolest — and he is!” declares Winden. When he is home, Gemini enjoys playing hide and seek, eating snacks out of Winden’s hand, and sneaking into the house at dinnertime. Although he is fully domesticated, he does live outside with the other Rowe pets — three dogs, two hens, and one rooster. At night, he roosts in an elm tree on the family property, and in the morning, he flies down with his tail feathers spread wide, reminiscent of the dragons on Game of Thrones! As is typical with all peacocks, Gemini sheds his tail feathers at the end of each summer, spends the fall and winter roosting in the barn, and then reemerges each spring with a new, longer, more glorious tail. I, for one, can’t wait to see it!s. KSN

> WANT TO SEE YOUR PET HERE? NOMINATE YOUR FAMILY PET – FURRY, FEATHERY, SCALY, OR OTHERWISE – TO BE FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING

ISSUE. CONTACT US AT LTARR@BESTVERSIONMEDIA.COM.

> DO YOU KNOW A COMMUNITY LEADER WORKING FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION? SEND YOUR NOMINATIONS TO US

AT LTARR@BESTVERSIONMEDIA.COM.

MEE T GEMINI LOVEBIRD

By Lauren Dewey Tarr

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very rewarding.” She goes on to explain, “Kennett is a diverse community, but it’s still somewhat separated. I’m teaching my colleagues through personal stories, and they are teaching me through their recognition and acceptance.”

At only 33 years old, Nancy, who has already helped hundreds, if not thousands, of community members over the years, has big plans for the future. She looks forward to growing her practice and helping as many people as possible — both Spanish and English-speaking alike. She intends to do more nonprofit work and eventually get involved with the KCSD school board as well. “I hope the younger generation can relate to my story and see me as an example that anything is possible. I also hope that my work with immigrant families makes them feel seen, heard, and respected within our community.”

There is no question that Nancy Ayllón-Ramírez is equal parts talented, ambitious, caring, and compassionate. Her contributions to the Kennett community reach far beyond just our immigrant neighbors. “I want to break down barriers and create a better understanding for everyone in town in order to raise our collective acceptance across all walks of life. I hope my work within the community is doing that.” KSN

KENNETT SQUARE NEIGHBORS | AUGUST 20201414 | PET CORNER