Ramona Burress is a Chicago native and product of Chicago Public Schools. She is the mother of three teenagers, students at Kenwood and currently resides in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Ramona is employed by Walgreens as a specialty clinical pharmacist, emphasizing patient care of those diagnosed with oncology, HIV, organ transplant and hepatitis. Ramona earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Illinois. Very active in the community, Ramona serves as a board member of the AIDS Foundation Chicago, Leaders of Literacy, SWIO and MADE. Ramona holds a position as a parent representative on her local school council.

At age 34, Ramona was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing a double mastectomy and six rounds of chemotherapy the cancer was determined to be in remission. One year later following a dental emergency, evidence of cancer appeared again. Ramona was now diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic cancer. Raising a family and juggling a career has been a daunting task. Ramona is committed to surviving and thriving.