Introducing Royalty: Rosanna M Ortiz

Meet the founder and President of StyleWeek Northeast/Seed

Rosanna M Ortiz

Photography by: Daniel Gagnon Photography

Q1: Originally from: Rosanna M Ortiz was born and raised in Southern California and moved to the East Coast in 1992.

Q2: Her Muses: Rosanna's greatest role model is her father, Martin. He came from a meager upbringing and after his five year commitment to the U.S. Army he was able to attend the University of California Irvine, ultimately flourishing in Corporate America. She lives and is inspired by the Abraham Lincoln saying "Whatever you are, be a good one" and  her own matra "If you really want to do something you will do it!".

Q3: Steps along the way: She attended Suffolk University in Boston Massachusetts with a concentration in Public Relations and Advertising. After exploring different career options she ultimately decided to accept a PR and Marketing position with BZZ Agent. After one year she was recruited by Franco Sarto as a sales and making executive for the Northeast. After a successful 5 years with Franco Sarto she decided to further pursue her creative passions by founding StyleWeek Northeast in 2009 and the non-profit Seed in 2011. Seed is an organization established with the goal of fostering innovation and education in apparel and accessory design through mentorship and promotion. Today, Rosanna has received numerous awards including: In 2011 One of the 11 To Watch by the Providence Journal, in 2012 Under 40 Award from the Providence Business News, in 2013 Best of Rhode Island for StyleWeek, in 2014 the Best of Rhode Island for Seed, and in 2015 Rosanna was appointed Business Partner of the Year from Child & Family Services of Rhode Island. StyleWeek has also made it in the press in Forbes Magazine, Town & Country Magazine, Boston Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, Rhode Island Monthly, Examiner, Huffington Post, Boston Globe, Providence Journal, Providence Monthly and by many blogs.

Q4: A day in the life: Rosanna's business day starts at 8:30-9 am in her office, located at the Arcade Providence, the nation's oldest indoor mall. Caroline Silva, her Partnership and Sponsorship Liaison and Gloria Nieto, her Executive Assistant (myself,) meet with her 4 to 5 days a week to discuss company duties. Late morning, she meets with Jonathan Josep Peters, SWNE COO/Creative Director. They typically discuss photoshoots, marketing collateral, themes and other ideas for the upcoming StyleWeek Northeast/SEED events. Her busy schedule often consists of meeting with clients, designers, sponsors and students. Days can often be long, at times working late nights with her team to prepare events. She also enjoys having dinner at local restaurants or relaxing at home with a glass of wine next to her boyfriend Mark and Lincoln, her Scottish Terrier.

Q5: Advice from the Royal: Take responsibility for your actions. Learn how to fall with grace and you will learn from it. In order to succeed you must not be entitled. Always give before you receive.

Definitely a royal

I had the pleasure to meet Rosanna for the first time in February 2013, when I attended my first StyleWeek Northeast runway show. I was instantly inspired by her presence. Not only was she the founder of the fashion week that I was about to witness but everyone could feel her dedication and passion. I can speak for most when I say she is admired and appreciated by many. Almost 3 years later, I am thrilled and feel privileged to be part of her team as her Executive Assistant and also consider her a close friend. We both share the belief to always own it and to be good to one another...no matter who we choose to be.

Until my next topic…

XOXO

GIN

© 2015 Gloria Isabel Nieto