Meet Jennifer Rosvall of The Holland Center in North Scottsdale/ Carefree/ Cave Creek

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Rosvall.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a mom of two special needs kids who have grown up to be exceptional adults. My son received a WISH in 2002 through Make-A-Wish Arizona and it was a life-changer for our entire family. After his WISH, he continued on as a Wish Kid Ambassador for many years and we were able to see first-hand the remarkable transformations of so many other Wish Kids and their families. Eventually, an opening on their staff for a Wish Manager came up and I landed my dream job, granting wishes for children throughout Arizona. I was given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these kids and families, just like ours.

After granting over 600 wishes, I was starting to feel like there might be something more out there for me. I wasn’t sure what it was and I never imagined leaving Make-A-Wish Arizona. One of our executives came across an opportunity for me and encouraged me to spread my wings. It was a very difficult decision to make as I didn’t want to leave my MAW family and this new position was quite a challenge. Was I ready for it??

I took the leap, and it was scary. There were so many organizational challenges, but I never questioned my ability to take on and conquer each one. I have two incredible mentors, a crowd of cheerleaders and an amazing staff. I have a patient and loving family who has been by my side every single day. I’ve learned that I can do this.

Has it been a smooth road?
It was the most bumpy road you could imagine. There were financial challenges and worries about making payroll. There were relationships that needed rebuilding in the community and within the organization. There were donors who had become disengaged and a staff that was burned out. Oh…. and then there was the flood.

Please tell us about The Holland Center.
The Holland Center is a nonprofit organization serving the Desert Foothills area of Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale focusing on Arts, Education and Community Service for all generations. Our programs provide community enrichment through Performing Arts, Life Long Learning, Environmental Stewardship, Therapeutic Healing, Visual Arts and Scholarship Opportunities. We are in the middle of a re-branding campaign and haven’t quite finalized our new Mission Statement, but we are headed in the right direction.

We are unlike any other community center as we are not affiliated with a city or town. We are a 501(c)3 charitable organization and survive on donations and income from our programs and facility rentals. We are a gathering place for our community to come and learn, grow and thrive. We believe in lifelong learning and welcoming everyone who walks through our doors. We believe in kindness.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I don’t know about our industry, but our little corner of the world is going to continue to be a place where our community can come and learn new things, meet new people and make a difference.  The Holland Center is truly a hidden gem and the community is taking notice.

Contact Info:

• Address: 34250 N 60th St. Bldg. B
  Scottsdale, AZ 85266
• Website: azfcf.org
• Phone: 480-488-1090
• Email: info@azfcf.org

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