A Message From Ramonita Vargas

After 42 years of service to our community—and 13 years as Chief Executive Officer—it is with great pride that I share my decision to step down from my role at the Spanish American Committee.

My journey with this agency began as a client. That personal experience instilled in me a deep belief: if I could rise to become CEO, then anyone who walks through our doors should have the opportunity to rise, too. That belief has guided every decision I’ve made, and it has shaped our mission—to build a society where families not only survive, but thrive, sustain their success, and create brighter futures for generations to come.

As we look ahead to 2026, when we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Spanish American Committee, I am filled with pride at how far we’ve come. Over the last four decades, we have built momentum, enhanced financial resiliency, and laid a strong foundation for lasting impact. Our work has touched thousands of lives across Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond.

As we continue serving our community on their journey to self-sufficiency, I look forward to a new era for the agency. This year, the Board of Trustees, together with an executive search firm, will begin developing a thoughtful transition plan and identifying the next leader of the Spanish American Committee.

I am deeply grateful for the relationships formed along the way—with our team, our board, community leaders, and the many individuals who have trusted me for over four decades. The mission of the Spanish American Committee will always live in me, and I remain committed to its continued success in every way I can.

With gratitude,
Ramonita Vargas,
Chief Executive Officer