LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Rosa Zapata was nominated by Christopher Silva, a member of the community.

Ms. Zapata is an educator who has gone above and beyond to help her students during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has made material for students to have at home for class. She has purchased materials and asked for community support to donate materials to her students. This is something she does every year, but this year, she has given so much more than just materials. She has helped her students deal with all the emotions they have been overwhelmed with. She is there whenever they need her after hours. Ms. Zapata is someone who has always given more to help her community by serving her country in the Navy and by volunteering in the community. She has even fostered students from her class. She fostered kids with special needs only. When asked what made her decide to take in disabled kids, she said, "Who else but a special education teacher could give them exactly what they need?"