Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 with Rosanny Gonzalez

Sep 26

WOC is pleased to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and shine a light on our members who are blazing trails in fundraising and philanthropy.

This week we’re thrilled to feature the profile of Rosanny Gonzalez, who shares the ties between her lived experience as a Hispanic woman and the impact they make in their professions.

In Her Own Words

Why is a community like WOC important for Hispanic or Latina nonprofit professionals?

Rosanny Gonzalez, Senior Manager, Business Analytics Development and Alumnae Relations, Barnard College

Affiliations within WOC:

Mentor Match

I always say connection and meaning. WOC strives to build a community, grounded in partnership, self-care, and discovery.

How has Hispanic culture impacted the way that you see your work in fundraising and philanthropy?

I only understood what fundraising/philanthropy was once I started working in development (I accidentally fell into it!). However, looking back, I can pull from many examples of how it was demonstrated in my life early on, and it is not only categorized as a significant financial gift.

I grew up attending a Catholic Church. My neighbor Angelica volunteered to take me to my catechism classes and church on Sunday mornings. She donated her time and whatever financial means she could. As an adult, I started volunteering as a council member for my local church. I interacted with a dedicated group of people in the community who also gave their time, enthusiasm, money, and expertise to growing and including everyone around them.

My mom has been a loyal donor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital since I was a child.

Who is a Latina fundraiser or philanthropy professional who inspires you?

My first mentor through the Mentor Match is Felicia Garcia-Hartstein, Executive Director of Campaign Management and Special Initiatives at the University of Rochester. She also previously spent 11 years at the university in various fundraising roles. Felicia was funny, witty, patient, and kind. She was open about the many lessons learned that have come to shape her professional experience.

Though we are on opposite sides of the development field (front-facing vs. back-end support), her reflection was like a mirror, reflecting me to myself, and I will always be grateful for that experience.

I am also inspired by former and current co-workers in the field across higher-ed, healthcare, and consulting areas.

How have you connected with other women of similar Hispanic backgrounds through WOC?

It is great to see folks on the Zoom calls for various events, but I look forward to connecting in person at the upcoming inaugural meeting of the Greater New York Chapter of WOC!