Miami’s Journey: Building a Brighter Future through Collaboration and Education
In this episode of Phoenix Business Radio, Karen Nowicki is joined by Evelyn Vargas, the economic development director, and Richard Ramos, the incoming superintendent, for the Town of Miami, Arizona. They discuss Miami’s past, present, and future, stressing collaboration and education’s pivotal role in revitalization. Their conversation highlights the need for innovative learning spaces, equitable funding, and a shift in mindset towards empowering students.
Evelyn and Richard articulate a vision for Miami’s future, emphasizing collaboration and community involvement. They share success stories of student-led initiatives and advocate for fair opportunities in education. Their dialogue calls for ongoing collaboration and community support to create innovative learning environments and empower students to shape their community’s future.
Join this conversation in shaping the future of Miami! Get involved in their collaborative efforts for community revitalization and education. Reach out today to learn how you can contribute!
The copper mining town of Miami, Arizona is one square mile in size but, despite its small size, Miami has provided copper to the world for the past 120 years. Today, copper mines surrounding Miami are still producing the copper found in satellites, cell phones, vehicles, electrical wire, and even makeup!
Miami is rich in manufacturing, industry, art, mining and mining history. Miami has 5 consecutive Luten arch bridges which connect Live Oak Street (Highway 60) to the downtown area of Sullivan Street. The only other place in the world to have 5 consecutive arch bridges of this type is in Italy.
Manufacturing includes hand-crafted Pin Drop Travel Trailers – a most unique design has enhanced the comfort of camping while still being part of the outdoors. The “Neo Tat,” is a tattoo machine also manufactured in Miami and shipped all over the world. This revolutionary design changed the entire tattoo industry with its quiet use and low vibration. Banjos are also made in Miami and are shipped throughout North America. Firearm parts are another product manufactured within the town. Art of all types is prevalent within the town along with many cultural an unique events hosted throughout the year.
Miami is in a resurgence time with many people interested in purchasing buildings and opening shops.
Evelyn Vargas is the first Economic Development Director for the Town of Miami, Arizona. She was born and raised in Miami, graduated from Miami High School, earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Secondary and Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University.
Her professional background has included Teacher and Coach at Miami High School; Communications Coordinator at BHP Billiton-Pinto Valley Operations, a local copper mine; Public Relations Director and a promotion to Chief Experience Officer at Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center; and Director of Special Education for Miami Unified School District. All her positions have given her a well-rounded background in many areas to lead the Economic Development for the Town of Miami.
“My mission is to improve our residents’ quality of living by helping to improve infrastructure, housing, recreation, education, and business development. To preserve our copper mining history, historic homes and buildings that are currently left in the community. To educate our community, tourists and visitors of the importance of copper in all our daily lives and embrace the diversity of our business community in our area by connecting them to resources for success,” states Evelyn of her new role for the Town of Miami.
“The copper Miami has produced over the past 120 years has been lighting the world and connecting our planet. The value our little Town of Miami has played in the world economy is immeasurable and it should be honored,” states Evelyn.
Evelyn and her husband, Ken, have been married for 44 years, raised 3 children whom they are very proud of and who are all university graduates. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, gathering with family, and the quiet times at home.
Follow the Town of Miami on Facebook.
After earning his doctoral degree in leadership and learning in 2018, Richard Ramos set his sights on making structural changes in the areas of equity and inclusion as Miami Unified School District’s executive director of Innovation and Learning. In this position, he approaches each day as a chance to pioneer innovative solutions to the unique needs of all Miami students by embracing opportunity that comes with the unknown.
Prior to joining MUSD, Richard spent seven years as a teacher working to engage seventh and eighth grade students in social studies lessons connected to the real world, before moving to an administrative role in 2001. Over a span of 16 years as a principal and assistant principal, he endeavored to reshape educational leadership roles.
Richard grew up in the small, copper-mining town of Globe-Miami, Arizona. As a student, he overcame difficulty adapting to a school environment through his resource teacher and other support systems. This experience at an early age set him on the path toward serving as an educator for the last 28 years.
