At GROW Initiative GA, our team is made up of dedicated community advocates who bring both lived experience and professional expertise to everything we do. Each team member is certified as a Community Health Worker through Emory University, a Mental Health First Aider for both youth and adults, and a licensed Community Resiliency Model (CRM) teacher.
We bring a strong foundation in education, disability advocacy, public health, and inclusive service delivery that honors both language and culture. Our team has extensive experience supporting individuals with disabilities and their families, advocating for improved access to education, services, and resources across the lifespan.
We’ve spent years leading community-based education, offering translation and interpretation services, and creating safe, accessible spaces for non-native English speakers and those facing systemic barriers. What truly sets our team apart is our deep passion for serving low-wealth and underserved communities across Georgia. We are committed to this work because these are the communities we call home.
Founder/CEO
Guadalupe “Rosie” Harrison is a dedicated advocate and community builder who champions inclusivity, equity, and cultural diversity. As the Founder and CEO of GROW Initiative GA, Rosie has transformed the organization into a trusted partner for underserved communities, particularly for non-native English speakers and individuals with disabilities in Coastal Georgia. Deeply influenced by her Mexican heritage and her childhood in Las Vegas, Nevada, Rosie is driven by a commitment to creating positive, lasting change.
Rosie’s work focuses on building strong partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government entities to address critical issues like food security, healthcare access, and educational disparities. Through GROW Initiative GA’s “full circle” framework, she tackles the root causes of community barriers using data-driven strategies and culturally sensitive programming. Her advocacy extends to policy work in education, health, and nutrition, where she promotes equitable, culturally appropriate, and linguistically inclusive resources.
Passionate about fostering inclusivity and collaboration, Rosie is a tireless advocate for the rights and opportunities of diverse communities, working to create pathways to success for those facing educational and economic barriers. In addition to her work at GROW, she is committed to expanding the organization’s reach, securing funding, and advocating for systemic changes that uplift low-wealth, underserved populations. Her vision and leadership continue to drive GROW Initiative GA’s mission to build a more equitable, thriving society.
Outside her professional work, Rosie volunteers with mentorship programs and nurtures her love for gardening, cultivating a backyard oasis that reflects her dedication to growth, both in the community and her own life.
Interim Program Director of Education
NAHIRIS LUGO is from Rincón, Puerto Rico. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, and I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students at Georgia Southern University.
For the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Rosie (founder of GROW) and Dr. Brown, teaching ESL classes at Our Lady of Lourdes.
I’m passionate about education and uplifting the Hispanic community. That’s why I want to join GROW as the Education Programming Director, to continue offering individualized ESOL classes for adults, set up a tutoring program, and expand translation services. I also look forward to collaborating with schools and community organizations, delivering presentations on topics such as the benefits of bilingualism, multilingual books for children, and the linguistic challenges faced by Latinx immigrants. I believe art can be a powerful tool for expression and want to incorporate that into my work as well.
My overall goal is to empower Hispanic families by giving them the skills and resources they need to thrive.
Communications Manager
Bella Marchena is a videographer and photographer with experience in social media management based in Savannah, GA. She loves capturing the heart of non-profit action, events, and community connection, which is why working with GROW is such a pleasure. With roots hailing from El Salvador and Peru, campaigning for Hispanic rights is an integral part of her work. Bella can usually be found at the nearest coffee shop ordering a hot chocolate!
Case Management Intern
Diana Hernandez was born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in Queens. She is currently the new Case Management Intern with the GROW Initiative GA. Working in this field holds special meaning for Diana, as she has firsthand experience with the importance of supporting the community. She is passionate about giving back and making a meaningful contribution to the lives of others. In her role at GROW, Diana assists with client intake, connects individuals and families to essential resources, and supports ongoing case management efforts to ensure clients receive the help they need to thrive.