New Leadership, Renewed Vision: Ramona Soroptimist Continues Its Mission to Empower Women and Girls
With new president Tammy Tinsley at the helm, Soroptimist International of Ramona is launching an inspiring new chapter—expanding its powerful work to uplift women and girls through education, support, and advocacy that transforms lives across the community.
Under new president Tammy Tinsley, Soroptimist International of Ramona continues its mission to empower women and girls through education, financial support, anti–human trafficking advocacy, and community outreach programs that create lasting local impact.
The Soroptimist International of Ramona is entering an exciting new chapter while continuing its longstanding commitment to uplift women and girls throughout the community.
As of July 1, 2025, Tammy Tinsley has taken office as the club’s new president. Tinsley works full time for Raytheon, bringing both professional leadership and community passion to her new role. Beyond her career in defense and aerospace, she is actively involved with the Ramona-based Drille Divas, a horseback riding group, and the non-profit group Bridle Up Hope.
Under Tinsley’s leadership, Ramona Soroptimist remains deeply rooted in its core mission: providing women and girls access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. The club currently has 32 members who meet on the second Wednesday of each month at Hatfield Creek Winery. Social time begins at 6 p.m., followed by the business meeting. Members read the organization’s mission statement at every meeting to ensure they remain focused on their purpose.
“We don’t want to lose sight of why we’re here,” says Tammy.
The club continues to focus heavily on Soroptimist’s three signature Dream Programs:
Dream It, Be It supports girls ages 14–18 who face obstacles by offering mentoring, career guidance, and skills development to help them set and achieve goals.
Live Your Dream Awards provide cash grants — not scholarships — to women who are the primary breadwinners for their families and are pursuing education or vocational training. Applicants must be at least 18 and have a dependent. Funds can be used for tuition, trade school, GED programs, childcare, transportation, glasses, or other essential needs that remove barriers to education.
Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls fund projects that create measurable impact in the lives of women and girls through education and professional development.
To make the application process accessible, the Ramona club offers free Zoom workshops to help women complete their Live Your Dream applications. Many applicants are overwhelmed and lack strong support systems, and volunteers walk alongside them step-by-step. All applications remain strictly confidential, with non-members serving as judges.
While the club prioritizes helping local women, awards are not limited to Ramona residents. The group has supported women in neighboring communities and continues to provide scholarships to Ramona’s three local high schools.
In addition to educational programs, the club is active in community outreach and awareness efforts. Members have participated in the San Diego Country Estates Fourth of July parade for several years, volunteer at the Heart and Mural Walk by handing out water, and distribute information in January for Human Trafficking Awareness Month. They also represent Soroptimist at local networking events and assist with holiday decorating and other community service opportunities.
The Ramona Soroptimist group also works to raise awareness about human trafficking occurring even within local neighborhoods. Through advocacy rides, fundraising, and community outreach, they help shine a light on trafficking and support victims.
Fundraising plays an important role in sustaining their programs. The club currently has a See’s Candy fundraiser running through the spring and will host its popular Wine Bunco fundraiser on April 10, at Pamo Valley Winery. These events directly support Dream Program awards and community outreach efforts.
Ramona Soroptimist welcomes women of all ages who are interested in making a difference. Prospective members are encouraged to email siramona@outlook.com in advance, so the group can prepare a warm welcome. Whether new to Soroptimist or returning after time away, all women who support the mission are invited to get involved.
With new leadership and continued dedication, the Ramona Soroptimist Club remains committed to being, as members often say, a collective force for change — proving that when women come together with purpose, meaningful impact follows.
Photos courtesy of Tammy Tinsley
