Where Thinking Thrives
Keynote Speaker Bio
Dr. Kaliris Salas-Ramirez
Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, PhD is a neuroscientist, educator, policymaker and grassroots leader committed to transforming educational and health systems through evidence-based practices, equity, compassion, and collective action. She is an East Harlem resident and mother of two NYC public school students, one at Consortium member School of the Future High School.
Dr. Salas-Ramirez is Associate Professor at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where she directs the Neuroscience and Behavioral Science pre-clerkship courses and serves as Director of Educational Programming for their pathway initiative. She started her career in higher education at the CUNY School of Medicine/Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education. During her 12 years there she advanced innovative, humanistic curricula that integrated neuroscience, health equity, and the medical humanities. Her scholarship and mentorship reflect a deep belief that inclusive education must cultivate both intellectual and emotional intelligence.
Dr. Salas-Ramirez is a fierce advocate for educational justice in New York City. As an elected parent leader and 3 term president of Community Education Council District 4 in East Harlem, she mobilizes families and policymakers to protect and expand progressive, community-driven public schools. Her leadership bridges science, policy, and grassroots organizing to ensure that all children and young people, particularly those historically marginalized, can thrive in learning environments that honor their humanity and potential. From 2022-2024, she served as the Manhattan Borough President Appointee on the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP).
Dr. Salas-Ramirez’s work embodies the principle that education and health are public goods, rooted in care, accountability, and shared power. She continues to mentor, teach, and organize toward systems where belonging and justice are not aspirations, but norms.