Our CEO: Ramonita Vargas

Since 2010, Ramonita Vargas has served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Spanish American Committee (SAC), Ohio’s first and largest Hispanic social services agency. She is the longest-serving CEO in SAC's history. Ramonita is the oldest of seven children with both parents from Puerto Rico. Growing up in poverty, Ramonita personally understands the financial and social struggles that many Latino families face, especially in obtaining adequate housing and employment. She is a lifelong resident of Cleveland’s Westside community, where she serves to this day. Due to her compassion, dedication, hard work, and loyalty, Ms. Vargas is one of the most important Hispanic Leaders in Cleveland.

Ramonita Vargas: CEO of the Spanish American Committee

Serving the Cleveland Latino Community for Over 55 Years

Ms. Vargas started working for the Spanish American Committee over 30 years ago and has dedicated her entire career to serving the Latino community. Prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Vargas was the agency’s Fiscal Manager for 26 years. Since then, she has led the Spanish American Committee to become a beacon of hope for newly settled and current residents of the Cleveland Latino/Hispanic community.

Education & Background

As a result of her strong character and flawless record in fiscal management practices, Ramonita earned the trust and respect of the Spanish American Committee’s Board of Trustees. Her knowledge of our agency’s internal operations combined with her passion and dedication to our organization’s mission made Ramonita the perfect candidate for Chief Executive Officer. In harmony with our agency’s purpose, Ramonita motivates individuals to grow professionally and become leaders in our Hispanic community.

Ramonita has always believed that anything in life is possible if you work hard to achieve it. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Management from DeVry University in 2014. Over the decades, Ramonita has uplifted the Spanish American Committee to become an organization that serves over 5,000 individuals and families each year with a budget over $1.1 million.

Learn More About Our CEO

Ramonita was one of the female leaders honored at Crain's Cleveland Business Women of Note Luncheon on June 22, 2023.
The Cleveland Magazine interviewed Ramonita and other local Hispanic leaders about the challenges that the Latino community face in Northeast Ohio. Read their insights here.
Ramonita was named the 2022 Community Leader of the Year by the Cleveland Magazine. Read her interview here.
Ramonita was the Grand Marshall over the Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade & Cultural Festival held in August 2022.
At the end of 2009, the Spanish American Committee faced a financial crisis. Learn how Ms. Vargas helped revitalize our agency to better serve the Latino community.