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Danicole Ramos, a 2023 graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law, has been named the inaugural recipient of The Legal Clinic’s Clare Hanusz Award for Emerging Leaders in Immigrant Justice. Presented on April 10, 2025, the award honors Ramos for his steadfast commitment to Hawaiʻi’s immigrant communities and his impactful work as an Equal Justice Works Fellow for the Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic (RILC).
In his role with Richardson Law’s Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic, Ramos provides direct immigration legal services to noncitizen veterans and active-duty servicemembers. He also serves as a Captain in the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard, exemplifying a career rooted in service, justice, and leadership. His work bridges legal advocacy with military experience, ensuring that immigrants who have served the country are not left behind.

The Clare Hanusz Award was established to recognize early-career leaders who demonstrate the values embodied by the late Clare Hanusz—compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to immigrant rights. Ramos was selected for his exceptional dedication, which began during his time as a law student when he externed with The Legal Clinic and actively engaged in immigrant justice initiatives across the state.
During his time at Richardson, Ramos stood out as a leader in the classroom and in the courtroom. He championed access to justice for vulnerable communities through externships, clinic work, and volunteerism, always with a focus on uplifting the voices of the underserved. His work continues to inspire current students and emerging advocates who share a commitment to meaningful, community-centered legal practice.
The William S. Richardson School of Law congratulates Danicole Ramos on this well-deserved honor. His achievements reflect the best of Richardson’s values—justice, community, and service—and demonstrate the real-world impact of our alumni in Hawaiʻi and beyond.