Rosanna Mulcahy enjoys working with the business community. She has just stepped into a new role as Minority Business Program Manager with the City of Asheville.
“The new job will allow me to make a difference, which is what I enjoy most about working with the business community,” Mulcahy said.
Her main focus will be ensuring that bids for contracts to work with the City have proper inclusive language, working with businesses on how to access City contracting opportunities as well as supporting City departments on how to be more inclusive in our contracting processes. She will also be involved with the City’s newly formed Equity Team.
Of note, Roanna is bilingual. Though she hails from Panama, she’s called the United States home for some 29 years. “I hope by me speaking Spanish it will help me communicate with prospective vendors who have not previously connected with the City because of language barriers,” she said. “Perhaps seeing someone Latina like them will inspire them.”
Rosanna comes to the City of Asheville from the Western Women’s Business Center, where she was Associate Director. She previously held a position as Latino Program Coordinator with Mountain BizWorks. Rosanna holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration and is currently working on a Ph.D. in Human Services.
When she’s not at work she’s often doing volunteer work in her community, or even abroad. Rosanna serves on the boards of the YMI Cultural Center and the Literacy Council of Buncombe County. She also serves on the board of the Africa Healing Exchange, and in her capacity on that board she’s going to Rwanda. While there Rosanna is going to teach business skills to a group of Rwandan women who have formed a business cooperative.
The married mother of three has two grandchildren, so she enjoys a rich and busy life. Now she’s digging in for her latest chance to make a difference here at the City of Asheville.
Rosanna Mulcahy works in the Economic Development Department on the fifth floor of City Hall. She can be reached at RMulcahy@ashevillenc.gov or 828-259-8050. To learn more about the City’s Minority Business Program visit the City of Asheville website.