Today we’d like to introduce you to Rossanna Gabriel.
Hi Rossanna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began my journey with the Hazleton Integration Project just one month after the center opened, first as a volunteer. I enrolled my son in the basketball and reading programs, and, wanting to give back, I signed up to help in any way I could while also taking ESL classes.
I started by supporting different programs, but soon I was helping in the office. After about six months, I was offered a position as a secretary. From there, I grew into the role of Director’s Assistant, and in 2020, I was honored to become the Executive Director.
As an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, my personal experience has deeply shaped my commitment to this work. Today, I lead HIP in providing educational, cultural, and athletic opportunities for underserved children and families, helping create a space where people feel welcomed, supported, and connected.
My journey reflects what HIP is all about: opportunity, growth, and community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been the language barrier. It takes time, patience, and you’re always continuing to learn.
Adapting to a new country has also been a journey, especially navigating cultural differences and learning how its systems work.
Another challenge was recertifying my professional background, since qualifications from my home country don’t always transfer directly.
But each of these challenges has helped me grow, build resilience, and better understand the experiences of the families we serve every day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Today, as Executive Director, I lead an organization that creates opportunities for underserved children and families through education, athletics, and cultural programs. We’ve built a space where families can learn, access resources, find support, and feel a true sense of belonging, no matter where they come from.
I’m known for bringing people together and building bridges across cultures. I believe in creating trust, in listening, and in making sure every person feels seen and valued. That connection is what drives real change.
I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had as a team, and also honored by the recognition that reflects this work. In 2025, I became the first Latina to receive the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce’s ATHENA Award. That same year, I was elected to the Hazleton Government Study Commission, becoming one of the first Latino/a voices in that space. I received the Latino Connection Workforce Award in 2025. And I was also named by the NAACP in 2026 for my leadership and community impact.
But more than any title or award, what I’m most proud of is seeing the families we served, how they overcome barriers, and, especially, their children becoming college students and pursuing a better future. Because they are the future of our community, and they deserve every chance to succeed.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just lead this work; I’ve lived it. And that perspective continues to guide everything I do.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The qualities that have been most important are resilience and empathy. My journey has come with many challenges. Resilience helped me keep moving forward, even when things were uncertain or difficult.
At the same time, empathy has shaped how I lead. Understanding and connecting with people from different backgrounds has enabled me to build trust, bring communities together, and lead inclusively, while understanding their needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hip1.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossannagABRIELOLIVARES
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rossanna.gabrielolivares
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossanna-gabriel-53943ba0/
