AN INSPIRING STORY

Contributed by Tom Reynolds

​All parents wish for the best for their kids, hoping their children go at least as far in life, if not further, than they did. It brings great joy and pride to parents when their children achieve.  Marisol Rosero-Allen has brought such joy and pride to her parents.

Born into poverty in Panama and raised by parents who had to leave school early due to financial hardships, Marisol’s parents instilled a strong work ethic in her and her two siblings. Her father Ciro was a self-made man who built a personal care and clothing business from scratch.

Due to his strong work ethic and grit, Ciro’s business was successful to the point where he opened a shop in the front of their house. The success of the venture enabled Marisol’s parents to send her to a private Catholic school from 4th – 9th grade. 

​Huge proponents of education, Marisol’s parents emphasized the importance of her attending and becoming the first in their family to attend college. She started on this road by emigrating from Panama to Miami in 1983, to live with an uncle and take classes at Miami Dade Community College.  After one year at Miami Dade there was a downturn in the Panamanian economy that made continuing to send Marisol to college too costly for her parents. They painfully asked her to return to Panama.

Not to be deterred, Marisol joined the United States Army and completed her associate degree while in the service. Seeing no reason to stop there, while continuing to serve her country and raising two children under the age of 8 with her husband, Marisol received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1995. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Marisol was assigned to Belgium, where she received a master’s degree in human resources in 1997.

Having spent 29 years in the United States Army, mainly as a personnel specialist and a warrant officer, Marisol is a fine example of a first-generation college graduate and the possibilities it offers for a meaningful, successful career.

Marisol is a role model and inspiration for many of the students who are mentored by Image Impact International, a large majority of whom are first generation college students. She is someone they can look to and say, “It does work. I too can do this.”
  

In January 2017, while pursuing a doctorate in management, which Marisol completed in 2018, she was required to consult with an organization. While looking for the right fit, she came across Image Impact International, which was in need of human resource assistance. Marisol jumped in feet first and continues to volunteer her talents to this day.

“I love working here,” Marisol said, “the core mission of helping first generation students resonates with me. I understand the challenges the students face and know how difficult it can be. In addition, my Catholic school education taught me to be aware of others, to give back.”

Image Impact International is fortunate to be the recipient of Marisol’s efforts, as the Vice President of the Human Resources team, she is the voice of the organization and the first person with whom our volunteers touch base.  She is also a firsthand example the students can look to for hope and inspiration.