February 2023

Rosa (Lauren) Marino 2003

DEGREES:
B.F.A. – Art
Fulton

CURRENT EMPLOYER
Inshuti of Rwanda

CURRENT OCCUPATION
Founder & Executive Director

DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH
I've had a windy career path. I completed a fine arts degree at Salisbury University and then attended another college for a Bachelor of Science in nursing. I worked as an ER nurse in Vermont for more than 15 years, but I left my full-time position in 2012 to travel. The path continued to wind and eventually led me to Rwanda. To make a long story short, I founded a nonprofit organization called Inshuti (friends) of Rwanda. Our mission is to construct sustainable houses in Rwanda to build wellness, stability and a future for impoverished families. Through our house-building projects, we are improving living conditions, creating local jobs, and growing the community of Inshuti (friends).

MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
Although I did not become an artist, I think Salisbury University taught me a lot about myself, so I could become the version of "who I am" that is present today. I often think about how the freedom of having open-studio hours instead of classes on Fridays allowed me the opportunity to grow and explore myself more profoundly.

WHAT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
As a fine arts student at Salisbury University, my primary focus was creating art and connecting with fellow art students during open studio hours.

BEST COLLEGE MEMORY
By far, my best memory of Salisbury is late-night "blow slots" in the glass studio! Junior-level glass students always had the 1 a.m. or later blow slots on the schedule. We would play loud music and create art until the sun came up.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY?
During my freshman year, I attended another college in Massachusetts. However, after visiting my best friend, Beth Ahern, at Salisbury for spring break, I immediately knew I wanted to change schools. I loved the campus life and strong Art Department I found at Salisbury. My sophomore year, I wound up transferring to Salisbury University, and I consider it one of the best decisions of my life.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
I'm unsure I can pick three words; how about three phrases?
Fosters creativity and individuality. As a fine arts student, I was always impressed by how my professors encouraged me to explore past what I thought was possible. Their support to grow as an artist and a human helped mold me into who I am today.
Safe. Salisbury University has a safe and inviting campus. As a woman, I never felt worried or concerned walking alone across campus in the middle of the night.
Strong foundation. Attending Salisbury University provided me with a strong foundation for the transition into adult life.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?
Pulau Weh, Indonesia! It is a tiny island on the northern tip of Sumatra and a place I've been lucky to call one of my homes for the past seven years. It's a beautiful, authentic jungle island that has spectacular diving. I met my partner, Yann, there when we came to the island to complete our diving master course. It was love at first sight, and since then, we've bought a small, rustic bungalow off the ocean to call our home.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
My greatest accomplishment is founding the nonprofit Inshuti of Rwanda. I'm so proud of building an organization from the ground up, which has helped shelter 75 families while providing hundreds of well-paid local jobs. Every day I see the impact the Inshuti project has on our community in Rwanda, and I am eager to see where the future takes us!

WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I've traveled to more African countries than U.S. states.

HOBBIES/OTHER INTERESTS
Travel! I consider myself a nomad, constantly moving around to the various places in the world that I am lucky to call home. I spend most of the year living in Rwanda and Indonesia and exploring all the places in between! Diving – both recreationally and technical diving! I have a strong daily yoga practice and am an avid reader. I love to eat and cook – everything from scratch with local delicacies I find at markets.