Hispanic leaders make a difference in the Concho Valley through acts of service

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Carlos and Blanca De La Rosa have spent more than four decades together in marriage. Together, they’ve become leaders in the community. 

The love they share for one another is just one of the many things they have in common. Both Carlos and Blanca are former law enforcement officers. Blanca worked for the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office and Carlos worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Although they have retired from their professions, the service they do for the community is still present. 

“Being part of the community your in because even though I was a trooper for a long time like I said earlier you see a lot of the good and the bad,” Carlos said.

Blanca and Carlos spend their time giving back to the Concho Valley. Blanca is part of the Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, Southside Lions Club and other organizations dedicated to giving back. 

“I enjoy giving back, in whatever I can to the community,” Blanca said. 

Blanca and Carlos are no strangers to community events. The most recent event they helped with was National Night Out where they grilled hot dogs for San Angelo residents. They are present to help in whatever way they can. Although, sometimes Carlos gets volunteered to help with events. 

“I usually have a few questions you know, asking what exactly are we doing? Who is going to be there? What is going to be my part exactly so that way I can prepare,” Carlos said.

After the Uvalde tragedy, Blanca and other community members organized a vigil in honor of the 21 lives lost. The community gathered and in attendance were the some of the family of Uziyah Garcia, one of the lives lost at Robb Elementary School.

“If I can help that person, if I can bring the community together in a small way to let these people know they’re not by themselves, then I will put every bit of effort that I can out there to do that,” Blanca said.

Through serving the community, both contribute to keep Hispanic roots alive through community events. 

“We need to continue to keep our culture going,” Carlos said. 

In an effort to continue traditions, Blanca is helping with El Dia De Los Muertos virtual 5K/10K run. For more information visit sanangelohispanicheritage.org