For nearly 25 years, Jan Pearo has been on a journey to support her community, making her the longest-running employee at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).  In January 2000, Pearo began helping people in Skamania and Klickitat counties. She had recently moved to Stevenson, Washington, from Portland, Oregon.

Ramirez's strategy for success in life is to deal with barriers head-on. “You might be scared to do something,” she said, “but if you do it, you’ll be stronger and find better opportunities.”