By: Richard L. Smith
As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, Essex County is embracing the inspiring journey of 6-year-old Marilynn Judith Ramos, whose story carries both Puerto Rican pride and local community spirit.
Marilynn, representing her hometown of Isabela, Puerto Rico, was recently crowned Tiny Miss Puerto Rico, becoming the youngest to bring home the top title for her town from right here in New Jersey.
Born in Belleville, NJ in 2018 and now residing in Newark, proudly carries deep cultural ties that connect her to both her hometown and her family’s roots in Isabela, Puerto Rico.
Each year, she and her family travel to the island, strengthening their bond to the land and traditions that shaped generations before her.
At just six years old, she is showing what it means to embrace heritage and lead with heart.
Her parents, who shared her story with RLS Media, expressed pride in her accomplishments.
Beyond the crown, Marilynn has earned awards and citations from both her city and the State of New Jersey for her leadership and cultural advocacy.
She also took part in Belleville’s first-ever Puerto Rican flag raising, where she was honored with a state citation, a moment that tied her heritage directly to her community.
Her story arrives during National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15.
Raised between Newark and Isabela, Marilynn embraces a dual identity that keeps her grounded in both Puerto Rican heritage and American life.
This strong cultural foundation was highlighted when she earned the title of Tiny Miss Puerto Rico 2025, representing the Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade during the statewide pageant on September 14, 2025.
Her accomplishment was formally recognized by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly, which commended her presence as Tiny Miss Puerto Rico during Belleville Township’s Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony.
First established as a weeklong observance in 1968 and expanded to a full month in 1988, it highlights the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
For Belleville and all of Essex County, Marilynn’s journey is a joyful reminder that the future of Hispanic heritage is in good hands, with even the youngest voices carrying traditions forward with pride and hope.
