For many women who walk through the doors of The Women’s Room, Rosie is the first person they meet.
As Program Attendant, Rosie is the steady, welcoming presence at check-in: greeting guests, helping them complete intake forms, and introducing them to the space downstairs where they can access laundry, showers, and a quiet place to rest. She helps ensure the day runs smoothly, but more than that, she sets the tone. From the moment someone arrives, Rosie helps make The Women’s Room feel safe, organized, and human.
Rosie’s journey with Friends In Deed began at the Bad Weather Shelter, where she took on seasonal overnight work after a friend encouraged her to apply. The role reconnected her to nonprofit service, something that has been part of her life since childhood. Growing up in Pasadena, she watched her mother work in local nonprofits, including El Centro de Acción Social, and often volunteered alongside her. That early exposure shaped Rosie’s sense of responsibility to her community, a value she carried into adulthood through church-based service, philanthropy work in college, and volunteer roles with organizations like the Pasadena Senior Center.
Before joining Friends In Deed, Rosie spent more than twenty years in the restaurant industry, starting at the bottom and working her way up to assistant general manager. Along the way, she developed strong organizational skills, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of how to work with people from all walks of life.
When the Program Attendant position at The Women’s Room opened, it arrived at the perfect moment. After decades in the restaurant industry, she felt called to return to her roots—to serve her neighbors, to lead with compassion, and to help create a space where dignity begins the moment someone walks through the door. At The Women’s Room, those skills translate seamlessly, especially when guiding volunteers, leading by example, and creating systems that support both guests and staff.
After two years with Friends In Deed, she knows she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. For Rosie, creating a welcoming space isn’t just part of the job; it’s the foundation of everything that follows.