Rosa made history as the United States’ first-ever Assistant Trade Representative for Africa, serving under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. In this groundbreaking role, she shaped landmark trade initiatives that transformed U.S.-Africa relations. Earlier in her career, as Senior Trade Advisor to US Congressman Charles Rangel, she played a pivotal role in crafting the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), enacted in 2000. AGOA remains the cornerstone of U.S. economic policy toward sub-Saharan Africa, unlocking billions in duty-free exports and fostering economic growth and job creation across the continent.

Today, Rosa continues to influence Africa’s economic trajectory through both enterprise and advocacy. She serves on several high-level boards, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), and the World Trade Organization’s Business Advisory Board.

As President and CEO of The Whitaker Group (TWG), Rosa guided the firm’s strategic standing as the partner of choice for global companies investing in Africa — helping to deliver billions of dollars in commercial capital across the continent. In 2017, she led TWG’s pivot to its own direct investments when it acquired shares and management control of Dominion TV, a pan-African multimedia company broadcasting 24/7 in 49 African countries on DStv, the continent’s largest satellite platform.

Rosa’s impact extends beyond business. She served for 13 years on the Board of Directors of Mercy Ships, a global Christian charity delivering free surgical care and medical training across Africa via the world’s largest hospital ships. As the organization’s former President, she supported efforts that provided over $2 billion in medical support to economically vulnerable people in Africa.

Rosa holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The American University in Washington, D.C., and has completed studies in London, Rome, and at the U.S. Foreign Service Institute.