Rosa Gracida Honored as Community Leader at the 2024 SHCC Gala

A Night to Remember: Celebrating Excellence

On November 16, 2024, the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Latin Flair Gala at the Suisun Veterans Memorial Building in Suisun. This signature event brought together over 80 attendees, including local business leaders, community members, and supporters, for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, cultural pride, and the achievements of Hispanic professionals in Solano County.

One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of Rosa Gracida as the Community Leader of the Year, honoring her unwavering dedication to service, advocacy, and leadership that has enriched the lives of countless individuals in the community.

A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion

Rosa Gracida’s journey as a community leader is as inspiring as it is heartfelt. From her early years navigating loss and responsibility to becoming a champion for seniors and their families, Rosa has made a lasting impact on Solano County.

Her professional career, which began in an assisted living community in Vacaville, blossomed into a lifelong passion for senior care. As a bilingual senior living expert, Rosa helps families in both English and Spanish navigate the journey to find the care their loved ones need , offering free knowledgeable guidance with compassion, understanding, empathy, integrity and over 25 years of hands on experience. 

Rosa’s leadership extends beyond her career, with volunteer work for organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, Seniors Centers, Opportunity House, the Boys and Girls Club, Veteran’s Hall and more. 

Furthermore During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rosa demonstrated extraordinary leadership and compassion as she organized along  side community partners, a heartwarming drive-through parade to celebrate the birthdays of seniors living in Assisted Living and Memory Care communities. Among these memorable events was a spectacular 100th Birthday Parade honoring a WWII veteran, featuring over 200 decorated cars. This extraordinary celebration not only brought joy to the veteran, his family  and the community but also garnered national attention, as it was featured on national television.

In addition Rosa planned food distributions and personally delivered meals to first responders, ensuring they felt supported during such challenging times. In 2023, her dedication culminated by organizing along side Jackson Medical Supply a heartfelt and highly successful breakfast hosted at Pacifica  Senior Living Vacaville to honor first responders and veterans—a gesture of gratitude that resonated deeply with the community.

This remarkable effort earned Rosa a well-deserved recognition from Senator Bill Dodd of California’s 3rd District, highlighting her unwavering commitment to service and her impactful contributions to those who selflessly serve others.

Today, Rosa proudly serves as a member of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce where she actively cultivates relationships and supports other remarkable members as well. 

Her unwavering commitment to service has earned her recognition as Ambassador of the Year and she currently holds the position of Vice Chairman of Membership with Vacaville Chamber of Commerce.

Also, Rosa is grateful to have been recognized by Assembly member Lori D. Wilson of the 11th District. As Leader of the Year. 

Honoring a Life of Service and Dedication

Rosa Gracida’s journey to becoming a community leader is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of giving back. A dedicated advocate for seniors and their families, Rosa’s unwavering commitment to service has profoundly impacted Solano County. Her story is one of personal growth, professional excellence, and heartfelt leadership.

A Path Shaped by Resilience and Compassion

Rosa’s path as a leader began with profound personal loss. After losing her mother, Eulalia, at the young age of 44, Rosa stepped into a caretaker role for her younger siblings, a responsibility that shaped her deeply. Earlier in life, she also lost her father at age 9, further solidifying her understanding of loss and the need for support. Inspired by her mother’s selfless compassion, Rosa carries forward a legacy of love and service.

Arriving in the United States in 1995, Rosa faced challenges, including navigating a new country and language. Her first job as a dishwasher in an assisted living community in Vacaville became the foundation for a lifelong passion for senior care. With the guidance of the seniors she served, who became her mentors, Rosa advanced through various roles—from caregiver to Community Relations Director—always driven by a desire to make a difference.

A Vision for Community and Advocacy

Today, Rosa dedicates her career to helping seniors and their families find the best care solutions. As a bilingual senior living expert, she bridges the gap for English and Spanish-speaking families, ensuring they can make informed decisions. Rosa finds fulfillment in being a trusted guide during what is often an overwhelming and emotional process for families.

Beyond her professional work, Rosa is an active volunteer, lending her time to organizations such as Opportunity House, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Festival of Trees. Her commitment extends to fostering connections through local chambers of commerce, where she champions community growth.

Overcoming Challenges with Grace

As a Hispanic leader, Rosa balances many roles: working mother, small business owner, and community volunteer. She credits prayer, meditation, and a positive mindset for helping her navigate these responsibilities. By staying grounded through gratitude and self-care, Rosa continues to inspire others while maintaining her commitment to service.

Inspiring Future Leaders

Rosa encourages aspiring community leaders to start by discovering their “why.” “Find your passion and purpose,” she advises. “Volunteer, learn from others, and take action—no matter how small the first step may seem.”

Her vision for Solano County is a connected, empowered community where resources are accessible in both English and Spanish. Rosa invites others to join her in building a brighter future, stating, “Together, we can make a difference by supporting one another and strengthening our community bonds.”

Gratitude and Hope for the Future

Rosa is deeply grateful to the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for recognizing her contributions. “I humbly consider myself a happy servant, honored to give back to the community I love,” she says. Her story is a call to action for all of us to embrace service, compassion, and leadership in our own ways.

For those seeking guidance or ways to collaborate, Rosa welcomes connections at 707-301-6920 or rosa1nelly2@gmail.com.

Join the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Rosa Gracida’s story and the success of the 2024 Latin Flair Gala underscore the vital role the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce plays in supporting Hispanic businesses and leaders.

By becoming a member of the Chamber, you can join a network dedicated to advocacy, networking, training, and celebrating cultural heritage. Whether you’re a small business owner, community leader, or supporter of Hispanic entrepreneurs, the Chamber offers numerous opportunities to connect, grow, and give back.

Visit solanohcc.com to learn more about membership benefits and how you can get involved. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more vibrant Solano County.