LOS ANGELES—MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) mourns the passing of Drucilla “Dru” Stender Ramey, a pioneering civil rights attorney, legal educator, and longtime champion of equality and opportunity. A former MALDEF attorney and member of MALDEF’s Board of Directors, Ramey died on August 3, 2026, at 80.
Ramey dedicated her extraordinary career to expanding access and opportunity within the legal profession and justice system. She served on MALDEF’s Board of Directors from 1995 to 1998. Earlier in her career, she litigated employment and education discrimination cases at MALDEF and directed the organization’s Chicana Rights Project.
Beyond MALDEF, Ramey was a trailblazer who helped build institutions that advanced equality and access to justice. She co-founded Equal Rights Advocates, helped establish the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and co-founded the California Minority Counsel Program. As executive director and general counsel of the Bar Association of San Francisco, she championed diversity in the legal profession and expanded access to free legal services for low-income communities.
Ramey also served as executive director of the National Association of Women Judges, dean of Golden Gate University School of Law, and the first woman to chair the ACLU of Northern California. Her many honors included the ABA Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award, the American Jewish Committee’s Learned Hand Award, and the National Bar Association’s Wiley Branton Award.
Please attribute the following statement to Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF:
“Dru Ramey devoted her entire professional career to the betterment of society and of the law; her commitment to inclusion and to civil rights was simply extraordinary. As a result, she has always been an inspiration to me as to so many others working to preserve and expand the equitable rule of law in our nation. We are so proud of the roles she played at MALDEF; she will be greatly missed.”
Please attribute the following statement to Antonia Hernandez, president and general counsel of MALDEF from 1985 to 2004:
“Dru was a fighter for justice and civil rights. With her bright hat on, she brought sunshine and hope to everything she did.”
Please attribute the following statement to Vilma S. Martínez, president and general counsel of MALDEF from 1973 to 1982:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Drucilla Ramey. Dru was a treasured friend and former colleague at MALDEF. She will be remembered for her fierce and vibrant advocacy of our nation’s commitments to equality before the law. I will miss her infectious laughter and indomitable spirit!”