Rosazlia Grillier is a visionary and survivor! Although her heritage is deep-rooted in the South, She lives in Chicago, Illinois. When handed a terminal Cancer diagnosis and was wheelchair-bound, weighing more than 480 pounds, she broke the chains of depression. She battled cancer and multiple serious illnesses with the help of Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI) ‘s training and empowering support. Rosazlia has found her voice as an organizer and trainer, mentoring other parents to be a part of the change their communities need. This mother of two daughters is currently President Emeritus of POWER-PAC IL (Parents Organized to Win, Educate, and Renew – Policy Action Council), the advocacy arm of COFI. She is one of the founders and governing council members of the United Parent Leaders Action Network (UPLAN). She has received multiple awards, was previously named a Chicago Hero, and was honored nationally by Allstate and the King Family. She recently received The Dept. of Education’s MLK Drum Major Award for Innovative Advocacy. She has worked in partnership with many entities to bring meaningful change to issues that have negatively impacted families and communities locally, citywide, statewide, and nationally.
She sits on the Board of NAFSCE & COFI and most recently expressed how much she valued her experience working with other amazing change makers as a part of the 2022 Aspen CAG! Now 250 lbs. lighter & counting, Rosazlia takes her “nevertheless” attitude, determination to empower, and vision to bring change everywhere she goes.