Lake_Shawnee_Pergola-114776

Rosa R. Cavazos

Vice President of Resource Development
rosa.cavazos@topekapartnership.com

Rosa Cavazos is a force to be reckoned with in the world of resource development, event planning, and community engagement. As the Vice President of Resource Development, she leads the charge on fundraising and resource mobilization strategies, ensuring that her organization has the support it needs to make a lasting impact.

But Rosa’s contributions don’t stop there. She is a devoted parent of four children and an active member of several boards, including the Mana National Board and the Governor’s Council on Tourism. Through her involvement, she has helped to drive community growth and development, and her passion for making a positive difference has earned her widespread recognition and admiration.

One of Rosa’s greatest strengths is her creativity and innovation in event planning. From the Capital Food Truck Festival to the Chocolate Festival, her events have become community staples, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to celebrate and enjoy the best of the region.

Overall, Rosa is a respected leader and influencer who knows how to get things done. She is a true asset to her community, and we can’t wait to see what she’ll accomplish next.

What's one small change that an individual or family can make to contribute to the local economy's growth?

Small changes in spending habits can have a big impact on the local economy. By choosing to spend money locally, individuals and families can support small businesses and help to create a thriving local economy. This can have a ripple effect that benefits the community as a whole. Some ways to make conscious spending choices locally can include:

1. Shopping at local farmers’ markets or grocery stores that source products from local farms.

2. Supporting local small businesses such as boutiques, bookstores, and candy stores.

3. Choosing to eat at local restaurants and cafes rather than chain restaurants.

4. Buying gasoline at a locally-owned gas station.

5. Participating in local events and activities, such as festivals and concerts, that support local businesses and artists.

Making these conscious spending choices can help to keep money circulating within the community, create jobs, and encourage the growth and development of small businesses. Even small actions can make a big impact, and by working together to support the local economy, we can all contribute to creating a thriving and sustainable community.

How does your role contribute to the organization's efforts to improve the local economy?

Raising 8.6 million dollars as part of the Momentum 2027 campaign is a significant achievement and will have a tangible impact on the community.

By raising these funds, the Partnership will have the resources to invest in a range of initiatives and projects that can help to stimulate economic growth and development. This can include supporting small businesses, attracting new industries to the area, and creating job opportunities for local residents.

Furthermore, the Momentum 2027 campaign can also help to raise awareness about the importance of supporting the local economy and encouraging residents to shop and invest locally. This can create a positive cycle of economic activity and growth that can benefit the community for years to come.

Overall, my role in helping to raise 8.6 million dollars for the Momentum 2027 campaign is a significant contribution to the organization’s efforts to improve the local economy. It’s a great example of how individual efforts can make a big difference in achieving collective goals and creating positive change in the community.

Can you share a success story or project you've worked on that has had a significant impact on the local community's economic development?

Creating the Capital City Food Truck Festival not only brought a fun and exciting event to the community but also had a significant impact on local food trucks. By providing a platform for the food trucks to showcase their unique menus and culinary skills, the festival helped to increase their visibility and attract new customers.

Furthermore, by helping some of the food trucks secure their own brick-and-mortar locations, the festival has played a key role in supporting the growth and development of these businesses. This is particularly important as starting a new restaurant can be a daunting and expensive venture, and having a successful food truck business can provide a more accessible way to get started.

In addition to its impact on local businesses, the festival has also brought many benefits to the community as a whole. It has provided a fun and family-friendly event for people of all ages to enjoy, while also helping to promote the local food scene and highlight the unique flavors and cultures that make up the city.

Overall, creating the Capital City Food Truck Festival has been a significant success story that has had a positive impact on both local businesses and the community as a whole. It’s a great example of how creativity, innovation, and community engagement can come together to create something truly special.

As a former member of her college dance team, Rosa knows firsthand how wonderful dancing can be as a form of self-expression. Her experience on the team provided her with a sense of community and camaraderie among her fellow dancers, as well as a way to stay physically active and improve her coordination, balance, and rhythm. Rosa's time on the dance team helped her build confidence, develop leadership skills, and provided opportunities for performance and public speaking. Rosa looks back fondly on her time as a member of the college dance team as a fun and memorable experience that provided many benefits both in the short-term and long-term.

DID YOU KNOW?
Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee

Rosa loves to visit the Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee for their breathtaking natural beauty. The vibrant flowers, serene water features, and lush greenery provide a calming and peaceful escape, making it the perfect spot to unwind and recharge.