Rocio Franco
Associate Director
Professional Experience: Rocio was born in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico. She moved with her family to the USA in her late teen years. Rocio is the oldest daughter of her family and learned fast how to navigate the systems to assist her family with better opportunities. While adapting to this role, she encountered other families struggling with the same situation, and that's when she grew her passion for helping others, allocating resources, and advocating to overcome barriers.
Rocio has two beautiful daughters she is raising with her husband to teach them a love for nature, community values, and social justice.
Rocio Franco joined Cultivando's leadership team in 2016 as Director of Strategic Partnerships, bringing her years of experience working for Mapleton Public Schools and managing her family's business. In this role, she led many of Cultivando's outreach efforts, resulting in more impactful collaborations with various organizations and city governments. In 2018, she was promoted to Associate Director in recognition of her leadership skills, passion, and dedication to the Promotora model and philosophy of "Corazón de Servicio" (heart of service).
Rocio is a current student at Metropolitan State University majoring in Clinical Social Work.
Why I chose to work at Cultivando: Before working for Cultivando, I worked for many years for Mapleton Public Schools. In this role, I assisted many parents in understanding the education system, bridging information and resources, and interpreting for families. Then, I came across the opportunity of working for Cultivando and making a more significant impact in the community. As a community leader, I always bring with me the experience and sacrifice of my parents bringing us to a different country and how opportunities like the ones we advocate in Cultivando would have made a more dignified road to success for my family.
I strongly advocate for supporting emotional health within the Cultivando team and among our community members. Mental health must be upfront in our fight for health equity.
Hidden Talent: I like to organize gatherings and focus on the decoration's details. I spend a lot of my time making giant paper flowers!
What I like to do when I am not working: I am a nerd for GOT and enjoy watching series and documentaries on Netflix. Also, I practice Yoga and enjoy walks in nature. As a family, we love camping and making memories during road trips.
A big family surrounds me! I enjoy every time we gather to celebrate birthdays and holidays.
