VIP AWARD HONOREE Harry LaRosiliere Champions Public Service Initiatives
By Karen Brodsky | Staff Writer
Inspiring words epitomize the generous spirit of a distinguished philanthropist, reflective of the mission embraced by Harry LaRosiliere, the Mayor of Plano, Texas.
A native of Haiti, LaRosiliere and his family migrated to the United States when he was just three years old, aiming for a brighter future. Little did they know that he would grow up to be Plano’s first Haitian-born African American mayor.
Raised in Harlem, a vibrant area of Manhattan, LaRosiliere learned the importance of diligence from a young age. His mother worked as an office cleaner, while his father juggled factory shifts with taxi driving on weekends to provide for Harry and his sister. Thanks to their parents’ unwavering commitment, both children became the first in their family to graduate from college. “My parents imparted invaluable ethics and values,” LaRosiliere expresses proudly. This foundational guidance helped him navigate the challenges of his environment filled with negative influences and criminal activity. “Even then, I knew my path was centered on education and self-improvement,” he recalls.
Over time, Harry recognized his purpose. Motivated by childhood experiences that impacted marginalized communities, LaRosiliere felt compelled to effect positive change. After relocating to Plano in 1994, he brought that passion with him, ultimately becoming mayor in 2013.
During his initial tenure as mayor, LaRosiliere launched two community programs that he holds dear: Food 4 Kids Plano and the Summer Internships Program. The Food 4 Kids Plano initiative, in collaboration with the North Texas Food Bank and local school districts, addresses food insecurity by supplying 800 “chronically hungry” children with backpacks full of food during the academic year. The program has since expanded to cover food provisions for Winter and Spring Breaks as well as Thanksgiving, aided by a food drive that collected nearly two tons of turkey. LaRosiliere’s mission is to ensure that “no child goes hungry throughout the school year,” and he is dedicated to raising $1.2 million over the next three years through local business sponsorships.
The Summer Internship Program reflects LaRosiliere’s own upbringing. “Coming from a blue-collar family, I lacked professional mentors,” he notes. “I needed to navigate my path independently.” Fully funded by community donations and corporate partners, this program offers an 8-week internship opportunity for local youth. Last year, 300 students applied, with 37 ultimately selected. LaRosiliere emphasizes that all applicants are invited to a preparatory orientation, where they gain insights on job searching, interviewing skills, and professional decorum. Those chosen participate in a job fair featuring companies such as Pizza Hut, PepsiCo, Bank of America, Capital One, and Alliance Data. For companies that cannot hire minors, they compensate the students for their work at non-profit organizations, benefiting all involved. “The impact on the youth is significant,” LaRosiliere asserts.
How does the dedicated mayor juggle such demanding responsibilities with family life? “I view my life as a three-legged stool, balancing my obligations to family, work, and community,” LaRosiliere explains. He and his wife Tracy are actively engaged parents, setting a strong example for their daughters, Brianna, 18, and Maya, 16.
In recognition of his commitment to community service, exemplary parenting, and his relentless pursuit of Plano’s advancement, Themerrythought Magazine proudly presents the VIP award to Mayor Harry LaRosiliere this month.
Photo Caption: Mayor Harry LaRosiliere with wife Tracy and daughters Maya and Brianna.
