KIWANIS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Rosvall is a third generation Arizona native from a large family with a rich history of contribution to the community, going back to her grandfather who owned the first Phoenix Semi-Pro baseball team, the Thunderbirds.   She has seen her fair share of baseball and understands the game, the competition, and the strategies, some of which she applies in her business life.  When in high school and college she worked in retail with a wide range of responsibilities including merchandising and management as well as sales.

After graduating from University of San Diego with a degree in business, she began a career in events and planning and eventually landed in teaching where she developed an early love of working with children.  She then joined Make-A-Wish Arizona as a Wish Manager where she was the interface between the children, volunteers and commercial vendors of services like airlines, hotels, and children’s entertainment,  who provided for the fulfillment of wishes.

The major element she learned and perfected was how to connect and work effectively with key individuals in the community and build meaningful relationships benefiting both. Wishes are powerful, most importantly for Wish Kids and their families, but also for everyone who touches a Wish. Making a difference in the lives of others can truly be life changing. Jennifer granted over 600 wishes during her time with Make-A-Wish Arizona and has brought that same philosophy to the Holland Center.

This principle element of building long term relationships with business people, families, and community members is based on her ability to project a sincere deep personal interest in the people she works with as to “how can we do this together?”

As Executive Director of the Holland Center, she has built the organization into a true “Center of Activity” in the community.  In four short years, she has transformed this non-profit community facility into offering far more than just meeting rooms and bingo, but rather a “go to place” for the people of the community to gather for lifelong learning, entertainment, simple games with friends, and personal enrichment.  (And yes, bingo will be back in January!)

Jennifer has been with Kiwanis four years and has been an active member of the Marketplace Committee where she has applied her retail background and her keen sense of business when she is contributing to discussions at meetings.  She also served on the “Forward Planning Committee” and the first Kiwanis Christmas Event in Carefree where we first gave away 50 bikes to kids.  Her newest endeavor is mentoring with the Kiwanis Key Club at Cactus Shadows High School and believes developing students with a strong sense of community is essential for the future.

Please, consider joining Kiwanis and meeting people like Jennifer Rosvall.