August is Make-a-Will Month, which is the perfect time to be reminded of the importance of having legal plans in place with a will and trust, as nearly 70% of Americans lack a valid will. For most of us, seeing “make a will” on our to-do list is very daunting. While it can be a difficult subject, putting your plans together can help give you and your loved ones peace of mind. Below are three reasons why everyone should have a will, no matter your net worth.

1. You Decide How your Assets are Distributed (not the courts!)

Only by creating a will can you decide who should receive your money, assets, and belongings after your lifetime. Without a will, the courts will determine who is “next of kin” and hand everything over to that person (after taking a substantial amount themselves in fees).

An alumna of Santa Clara University, Adelene holds an MBA from the Leavey School of Business and a BA in Film & Video from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She brings more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, storytelling, public relations, and community engagement across nonprofit, public sector, and social impact organizations. Most recently, Adelene served as Communications Manager at Housing Trust Silicon Valley, where she led strategic communications across the Greater Bay Area and helped raise the organization’s national profile as a leader in affordable housing finance. Previously, as Marketing Communications Program Supervisor at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, she managed integrated marketing and communications for more than 40 programs serving over 40,000 individuals and families annually.

Adelene will lead the Foundation’s marketing and communications strategy and implementation, oversee brand management and public relations, and help share stories that connect our community to the Foundation’s mission and impact.

Q&A with Adelene Ramos

Where did you grow up and what was your favorite part about growing up there?

I grew up in a small town near Sacramento with only a handful of Filipino American families (at the time) and one Catholic church, Holy Rosary. Everyone knew each other and although we weren’t related, our community felt like an extended family. I loved that sense of connection and belonging, and it’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my life.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy watching movies, going on hikes in the redwoods, visiting the beaches in Santa Cruz, and watching sunsets with my family. We love exploring the Bay Area and taking advantage of all the family-friendly activities, events, and festivals that happen throughout the year. I also enjoy visiting museums and writing poetry. One of my personal goals is to publish a chapbook of poetry someday.

What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

A Christmas Story. Watching it every year has been a tradition in my husband’s family since he was a child, and I’ve loved becoming part of that tradition, especially now that we get to share it with our daughter. It’s one of those movies that always brings laughs, fond memories, and a sense of togetherness, making it the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume?

Most people know me through my work in marketing and communications, but storytelling has always been a big part of my life. I studied film in college and I write poetry, but what I love most is connecting with people and hearing their stories. One of my favorite parts of being a communicator is meeting someone for the first time, learning about their experiences, and finding common ground. By the end of an interview, I often feel a genuine connection to that person and a responsibility to tell their story authentically, accurately, and with care.

Why is your faith important to you?

My faith grounds me in the belief that love should be at the heart of everything we do. I often return to 1 Corinthians 13, especially its final verse: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” It reminds me to lead with compassion, serve others generously, and use my gifts to make a positive difference in my community.

What is your favorite part about working at the Foundation (so far)? What attracted you to this position and organization?

I was drawn to this position because it brings together so many things I’m passionate about: storytelling, communications, community impact, and service. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, and I’ve found the work deeply meaningful.

What has impressed me most so far is the Foundation’s commitment to helping people create  long-term impact through philanthropy. I’m excited to help write and share stories of generosity, grow awareness of the Foundation’s mission, and work alongside a talented team that is dedicated to serving our community.

What is something you still have left on your bucket list?

I’d love to visit friends who live in Europe (Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy) and spend time exploring the places where my ancestors lived before coming to the Philippines, including the Basque Country in northern Spain. I’d also love to visit Corsica, where my husband’s Puerto Rican ancestors came from. Learning more about our family histories while experiencing those cultures firsthand would be incredibly meaningful. I believe understanding where you come from helps guide where you’re going.

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

Before having our daughter, my husband and I spent many years producing video and multimedia projects through our boutique production company, and have won awards, been in film festivals, and aired documentaries on PBS. I think like a storyteller first. Whether it’s a video, a newsletter article, a social media post, or a conversation, I’m always looking for ways to help people connect through stories.