Harry LaRosiliere: A Philanthropist Committed to Community Service
By Karen Brodsky | Staff Writer
These compelling words encapsulate the genuine philanthropic spirit of Harry LaRosiliere, the Mayor of Plano, Texas, whose unwavering mission is to serve his community.
Having emigrated from Haiti at the tender age of three, LaRosiliere’s family aspired to build a better future in the United States. At that moment, no one could foresee that he would rise to become Plano’s first Haitian-born and black mayor.
LaRosiliere’s formative years in Manhattan’s Harlem exposed him to the principles of perseverance and determination. His mother worked diligently as an office cleaner while his father juggled factory shifts and weekend taxi driving to ensure a brighter future for him and his sister. Thanks to their parents’ sacrifices, both children became the first in their family to graduate from college. “My parents instilled profound values and ethics in us,” reflects LaRosiliere proudly. This upbringing guided him through challenging choices during his youth, where he witnessed peers succumb to crime while he opted to pursue education as a means for self-improvement.
Along his journey, Harry discovered a deeper purpose. Witnessing societal issues faced by minorities as a child, he felt compelled to effect positive change. This drove him to participate in community initiatives, a commitment he maintained when he relocated to Plano in 1994 and assumed the role of mayor in 2013.
During his initial tenure as mayor, LaRosiliere launched two commendable community programs: Food 4 Kids Plano and the Summer Internships Program. Partnering with the North Texas Food Bank and local school districts, Food 4 Kids Plano addresses food insecurity by providing 800 students with backpacks filled with meals during the academic year. The initiative has broadened its scope to include provisions for Winter and Spring Breaks, along with Thanksgiving meals, supported by a successful food drive that collected nearly two tons of turkey. LaRosiliere’s vision is clear: he aims for these children to never experience hunger throughout the school year, pledging to raise $1.2 million over three years through local business partnerships.
The development of the Summer Internship Program stemmed from LaRosiliere’s personal experiences. “Growing up in a blue-collar family, I lacked professional role models,” he shares. Fully funded by community and corporate contributions, this program offers an 8-week internship opportunity to local students. Last year, 300 young people applied, with 37 securing positions. LaRosiliere emphasizes that everyone who applies is invited to an orientation to learn about job hunting, interview techniques, and professional conduct. Those selected for internships can participate in job fairs with well-known companies such as Pizza Hut, PepsiCo, Bank of America, Capital One, and Alliance Data. In instances where hiring minors is against corporate policy, companies compensate students for their work with non-profits, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement that LaRosiliere believes significantly impacts these youths.
Balancing his responsibilities as mayor with family life, LaRosiliere explains, “My priorities are like a three-legged stool: family, work, and community. I make it a point to dedicate sufficient time to each aspect to remain grounded in what is truly important.” He and his wife, Tracy, actively engage in their daughters’ lives, providing a strong role model for Brianna, 18, and Maya, 16.
In recognition of his exemplary public service, parental guidance, and unwavering commitment to enhancing Plano, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine proudly awards this month’s VIP accolade to Mayor Harry LaRosiliere.
Photo Caption: Mayor Harry LaRosiliere with his wife Tracy and their daughters Maya and Brianna.
