Article written by Karen Lyddane
Director of Dining Services Sandra Ramos has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Although leaving El Salvador to live in America wasn’t in her plans, her marriage to a popular soccer player who was in the Washington League, gave her a Virginia address. They saw eighteen years together, and he lost his life.
Sandra’s first job was at the Colenet Brooks Tavern in Washington, D.C. The owner personally taught her how to bus tables and serve diners. When he opened another restaurant, she learned how to be a hostess and then bartender.
She moved to Woodbridge, bought a house, and worked for nine or ten years at the Macaroni Grill until it shut down. The manager at the Fair Oaks location wanted her to work for him. He gave her a great job offer, so she did! She did pretty much everything there, too. And she found pretty much everything, including a distinguished gentleman who’d arrived from California to work there as Chef and Manager. His name is Carlos Garcia Velazquez. He was a single father with two young children. They’ve grown up and one is in the Marines. The youngest works for Eco Labs. He brought a wedding ring and new life to her world, including motherhood! They have a beautiful daughter, Isabella. Sandra feels blessed to have three children in her life.
An unexpected blessing came about with Renee Bainum having lunch there with a group of friends. It didn’t take long at all for Renee to see how well Sandra would fit into the environment of The Woodlands. Sandra knew that whatever she did, it would be fine. She just wanted to work, and so…
She treats everybody the same, a fact that is easily seen by her management of the Dining Room at The Woodlands. Staffing for events, producing weekly menus from Chef’s notes, inventory, interviewing, teaching, recognizing potential, all are a part of Sandra’s day. Sandra’s goal is to make everyone happy. “I aim to please in everything I do.”
Sandra has not only faced major changes, but has transformed each into opportunities for growth. Her story reflects strength, adaptation and a deep vocation, she always moves forward with a positive stride. She loves her job in all ways. She prays to God to help her do her best. She respects her job and does whatever fills her hands with love. Little things are big for her. “I am thankful that God put me in this position.” With any task in the dining room and kitchen, Sandra puts it all together. “The kitchen and dining room are one team.” “In the end, it is what you have in your heart.”
