When Iris Ramos Jones walks into a room, she carries not only the authority of serving in Governor Joe Lombardo’s Cabinet, but also the story of countless families who have come to Nevada seeking the promise of the American dream. As Director of the Governor’s Office for New Americans (GONA), Ramos Jones has become both a voice and a guide for those building their futures while embracing the values of hard work, civic responsibility, and love of country.
Her path to leadership is remarkable. An immigrant Latina from Ecuador with a strong background in real estate and healthcare administration, Ramos Jones understands the challenges and resilience that define the immigrant experience. Today, she channels that perspective into public service, shaping policies and programs that help new Americans access education, employment, and civic engagement.
The mission of GONA, as envisioned by Governor Lombardo, is to ensure that individuals who come to Nevada with hopes of a better life are not left behind. Under Ramos Jones’s leadership, the office has strengthened connections between communities and the resources that empower them to achieve self-sufficiency and success.
One powerful example of that vision in action is SB124, signed by Governor Lombardo in 2025. GONA collaborated closely with the bill’s sponsor, Senator Fabian Doñate, in an effort that earned strong bipartisan support. The legislation allows foreign-trained doctors to practice in Nevada—a groundbreaking measure that not only helps address the state’s healthcare shortage but also recognizes the untapped potential of immigrant professionals. For many Latino families, it means improved access to care from doctors who share their language and culture. Thanks to GONA’s outreach efforts, 119 doctors have already been identified who may now have the chance to fulfill their American dream of practicing medicine in Nevada. Other states—such as Florida, Alaska, Tennessee, and Idaho—have passed similar laws with great success, and Nevada is now part of this important movement.
For Ramos Jones, the work is deeply personal. “Every new American carries a story of courage,” she often says. Her presence in the Governor’s Cabinet is proof that those stories matter. To new Americans across Nevada, she is more than a director—she is a source of inspiration, showing that through hard work, service, and love of country, the American dream is within reach.
