Rosie Ayala is running for Pierce County Council in District 4, the seat that will soon be vacated by Ryan Mello at the end of his second and final term. Her council seat is essential to keep the County Council Blue. She won over 66% of the vote in the August 6 primary election. When Jani Hitchen is re-elected in November, Rosie will be the fourth woman elected to the council, which would give Democrats the fourth vote needed for a majority.
After growing up in the Central Valley of California where her parents were fruit pickers and labored on different farms throughout the state, she was the first in her family to obtain an education beyond the elementary school. Now, she has joined the 7% of the Latinx population that holds a Master’s degree. Rosie is a first-generation Chicana Mexican-American.
Rosie attributes her success to the dedication of after-school and summer youth programs where she was first encouraged to look into college as a possibility. Soon after college, Rosie experienced housing instability. Despite being employed and following all the steps needed to be successful in her transition out of school, it was evident that the system itself was not adequate to support someone in her circumstances.
During this time, Rosie worked at a homeless youth organization. Services included education, case management, transitional housing, and drug rehabilitation. This was part of a coalition of providers that partnered on things such as shelter and intake. Her experience in this world provided invaluable lessons about the importance of systemic interventions and partnership alignment. Since earning her Master’s degree, she has focused her energies on ensuring every new generation of students has a better system in place for their success.
A Series of Accomplishments
In addition to her elected role with the Metro Parks Tacoma Board of Commissioners, Rosie works as the Director of Operations for a local non-profit organization, focusing on organizational structure, strategic alignment, and professional development.
She was previously the Associate Director of Collective Action, where she was able to work with many community-based organizations to center the needs of students and families in aligning towards a community that serves youth cradle to career. Her biggest accomplishment in this work relates to the passing of SB 5321–the auto-enrollment of the College Bound Scholarship. Rosie worked in concert with community-based organizations, school counselors, advocacy experts, and representatives to impact the lives of around 10,000 families annually.
Rosie believes in the impact of partnerships as a means to work smarter for a better future. She also has a passion for the outdoors and protecting habitat. Rosie is a South Tacoma resident and lives near University Place, where she enjoys exploring many local businesses and parks.
Rosie is an avid photographer and art enthusiast of all mediums. She enjoys other hobbies such as pickleball, disc golf, and paddle boarding with her partner, who is a lifelong resident of Pierce County. Together, they’ve been active in education justice work and opening access to services that help young and re-engaged learners achieve educational certifications.