Denise Rose
Youth Changing the Community Collaborative Coordinator
The Harney Internship Program emerged in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, and its remarkable success can be attributed to one passionate individual: Denise Rose. As the Coordinator for the Youth Changing the Community Collaborative, Denise has proven herself to be the perfect fit for this vital role.
Denise's journey in Harney County began in the late 1980s when she relocated with her husband and two young children. Starting fresh in a new community, she initially found work in an administrative role at French Glen Mill Works. Her career path later led her to Harney District Hospital, where she spent 16 years making significant contributions in recruiting, grant writing, and program developmentâincluding creating the hospital's innovative 'school to work' program with Burns High School.
When retirement from the hospital beckoned, Denise wasn't ready to slow down. Instead, she sought out new challenges and found them at Harney County Economic Development (HCED) under Greg Smith's leadership. This position allowed her to pursue her passion for connecting people with work that matches their talents and skills. It was through HCED that Denise connected with Brenda Smith, HDP Executive Director, who recognized the perfect alignment of Denise's experience: her work with student interns, substitute teaching background, experience building intern programs, relationships with Burns High School administration, and strong connections within the business community.
"I was incredibly excited she made that connection and it all coalesced at exactly the right time," Denise reflects on this serendipitous opportunity.
Under Denise's leadership, the Harney Internship Program has flourished, growing from 4 interns to almost 50 while the program's reach in addition to Burns High School extends to include Crane Union High School and Silvies Academy.
When she's not working to build opportunities for others, Denise enjoys traveling with her husband Jeff, hosting gatherings with friends on her patio, and indulging in her passion for collecting vintage treasures of all kinds.
Contact Denise at denise@highdesertpartnership.org.
