SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Ruby Ramirez has been involved in the Bay Area lowrider community since age 19. A member of the Frisco Car Club, Ramirez drives a sea-green custom Chevrolet featuring “FRISCO'S FINEST” bejeweled in the window.
Ramirez served on the Lowriders Council for 14 years before recently stepping down. Over her career, she has won more than 50 awards at car shows while working to expand leadership opportunities for women in lowrider culture.
Ramirez first experienced lowriding when her then-sweetheart took her for a drive in a vehicle. He later became her husband, Jaime Ramirez. Discussing the customization work on her automobile, Jaime Ramirez highlighted the expenses involved in building custom cars.
“This part alone was probably 4,000...” Jaime Ramirez said.
Ruby Ramirez recalled her early fascination with lowriders as a young woman. “I always wanted to be that girl.. That lowrider girl,” Ramirez said.
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Ruby Ramirez has been involved in the Bay Area lowrider community since age 19. A member of the Frisco Car Club, Ramirez drives a sea-green custom Chevrolet featuring “FRISCO'S FINEST” bejeweled in the window. (Photo: KRON4)
Growing up, Ramirez observed lowriders cruising in her neighborhood and was inspired whenever she saw female drivers.
While female participation in the community has expanded, female lowriders continue to face obstacles. A member of the lowrider community described the dynamics within the culture.
“It's a man's world.. But it's not a man's sport in lowriding,” the community member said, noting that “people still believe that women should not be part of the lowrider community.. And if you let every bad comment.... keep going..” The community member added that building strong relationships has been essential for women in the field, stating, “It's so good to know a lot of those women personally.”
This year, Ramirez helped create a lowrider exhibit featuring women at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. The display placed custom vehicles directly on the museum grounds to honor female lowrider artists.
“It was the lexicon exhibit.. Two cars about a woman artist lowrider.. And we were part of the show to honor her work as a woman in lowriding. And people who were going to the museum on a random Saturday going to see the Monet.. Got to see two lowriders on the lawn of the de-Young.” Ramirez said.
Throughout her lowriding career, Ramirez credited her father as her primary cheerleader and supporter. Her father passed away before having the opportunity to ride in her completed car.
“I am blessed to have a father who always supported me.. My dad always told me just because you are a girl.. Doesn't mean you can't do it.” Ramirez said. Today, she keeps a tribute to him inside her vehicle.
“It's a rosary with his picture,” Ramirez said.
Looking back on her journey and her trophy room, she explained what driving means to her.
“This car represents me,” Ramirez said.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KRON4. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KRON4 staff before being published.
