Her Story
About Tina
Tina De La Rosa is the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of South Gate, bringing nearly three decades of experience in municipal recreation leadership. Her career began humbly, as a high school student volunteering to coach youth sports teams in her hometown, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for community service. She went on to spend roughly 25 years with the City of Commerce, rising from a youth summer worker to coordinator, supervisor, and manager, gaining broad expertise in recreation programming, staff development, and facility operations along the way, including managing a year-round camp property in Lake Arrowhead. In 2023, she joined the City of South Gate as Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, later stepping into the Acting Director role before being formally appointed Director in June 2026.
Throughout her career, De La Rosa has been a dedicated advocate for women in a field long dominated by male leadership, using her positions on professional boards to expand pathways and representation for future generations. She has held numerous leadership roles within the California Park & Recreation Society, including Recreation Section President, Vice President, and President-Elect, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Southern California Teen Coalition. She holds a Master's Degree in Leadership and Management with a concentration in Organizational Development from the University of La Verne, along with an Aquatic Facilities Operator certification and Certified Youth Sports Administrator credential.
Beyond her formal roles, De La Rosa is known for mentoring emerging professionals and fostering collaboration across her field, most notably organizing weekly peer support calls for recreation professionals throughout California during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has volunteered with Ronald McDonald House Charities since 2008, reflecting a broader commitment to community that extends well beyond her professional responsibilities. Guided by integrity, empathy, and a belief that leadership is measured by the people one uplifts along the way, De La Rosa continues to shape the future of parks and recreation through mentorship, culture-building, and a steady dedication to service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values my parents instilled in me early on—hard work, compassion, perseverance, and service. Those foundations have carried me throughout my career. I also credit the mentors, colleagues, and peer networks who challenged me to grow, and my own commitment to leading with empathy and investing in the people I work with, because I believe that when you pour into your team, they in turn pour into the community.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received has come through example rather than words alone—watching people like Janine Andrade, Victoria Reyna, community leader Marie Knight, and my twin sister model generosity, leadership, and a willingness to give back. Their influence taught me that investing in others and opening doors for the next person is one of the most valuable things a leader can do.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to build a strong network of peers and mentors and to lean on that community throughout your career. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you outside your comfort zone, build your skill set, and don't be afraid to make mistakes—they're part of growing into a stronger leader. Put yourself out there, have honest and direct conversations, and believe in your own ability to lead. Relationships and connections are some of the greatest resources you'll have.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Parks and recreation has historically been a male-dominated field at the leadership level, and I see real opportunity in continuing to increase gender diversity and representation in these roles. I also see opportunity in developing the next generation of professionals who bring both technical expertise and compassion to the work, and in strengthening peer support networks—something I saw firsthand during the pandemic, when coordinated collaboration between professionals made a meaningful difference.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, hard work, understanding, kindness, and grace guide everything I do, both professionally and personally. I believe in creating environments where people feel valued and heard, and I try to lead with empathy and dependability in every relationship I build.
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