By: Anabella Ramirez
Edited by: Michael A. Brown

High above the Riverwalk at the Centre Club of San Antonio, a powerful sense of purpose filled the room. The Women in Philanthropy event brought together a group of women united not only by generosity, but by a shared commitment to serve their community through the American Red Cross.

Their initiative reflects an ambitious vision: to become the charity-of-choice for women, creating a space where they can bring their unique backgrounds to lead, champion, and influence philanthropy. By sharing updates, strategies, and resources, Women in Philanthropy encourages collaboration and action, ensuring that giving is not only meaningful, but impactful.

Their gathering last month opened with remarks from Dr. Kelley Frost, FY26 President of Rotary and Sue Nicholas, FY26 Vice President of Marketing for Rotary. Both have been philanthropically dedicated to San Antonio with multiple nonprofit organization. Additional speakers included San Antonio Fire Chief Valerie Frausto, and Executive Director of the Greater San Antonio Chapter, Daniel P. Martinez.

The event also celebrated a long-standing tradition in San Antonio, women as pillars of strength and compassion.

“San Antonio has been truly motivated and supported and built by strong women,” said Loriann Tinajero, Regional Philanthropy Partner. “Women who have a deep culture of caring for their families and their communities. It’s important to bring them together and honor that.”

For Loriann herself, the mission is both professional and deeply personal. Her journey with the American Red Cross began with what she describes as a “mission moment.” While her son was serving in the military, he had planned to visit but never arrived. Concerned, Loriann reached out to the American Red Cross for help. They were able to locate him in a military hospital, and they were ultimately reunited. About six months later, she heard of an Executive Director opening with the American Red Cross in Tennessee. She applied, was selected, and served in that role for three years. Recently, she relocated to San Antonio to continue her work as Regional Philanthropy Officer. A move shaped not only by her career, but by her desire to be closer to that same son as he receives medical care in the area. Her story matched the spirit of the event; service rooted in lived experience, compassion shaped by personal connection.

“The strength of these women - their kindness, generosity, and intelligence - was incredible,” she said. “They truly understand how to support the American Red Cross in all its facets.”

The Women in Philanthropy culture and spirit of leadership are exemplified by the Tiffany Circle, a group of distinguished women who contribute $10,000 annually to support the American Red Cross. In San Antonio, only two women are part of this circle, including Loriann Tinajero. Their involvement represents not only generosity, but a deeper level of advocacy - women leading by example and inspiring others to engage.

And while the Tiffany Circle highlights a pinnacle of giving, the broader Women in Philanthropy initiative shows that impact comes in many forms. Whether through time, resources, or leadership, every contribution plays a role in strengthening the community.

Loriann Tinajero closed the event, bringing the message full circle with gratitude and a call to continued action.

“This initiative has been moving forward at a very fast pace,” she shared. “There’s been an overwhelming response from women who want to help. It’s not new to them to care for their communities, but now they’re expanding that care into new spaces, helping during climate disasters and supporting others on a broader scale.”

Throughout the room, conversations highlighted a shared eagerness to grow this initiative and expand its reach. Indeed, as the initiative advances, that understanding will only deepen, strengthening the collective effort to respond to need and alleviate suffering. “I’m so grateful for San Antonio women,” Loriann added. “They care so deeply, and they truly want to help support the American Red Cross and alleviate suffering.”

In a city shaped by resilience and generosity, Women in Philanthropy is harnessing that legacy - bringing women together not just to give, but to lead.