About Us

Creating safe spaces to share stories saves lives:

The Dear Rosa Project is a legacy project dedicated to Rosa, an incredible, vibrant, amazing woman who lived at the intersection of HIV and domestic violence. Rosa had a laugh that could move mountains. Was very sassy. And inspired so many women to tell their stories. After she passed, a mutual friend mailed Project Lead Dr. Harte the letters that Rosa had been writing to herself, like a journal. We thought that these letters were the beginning of a legacy

We use passages from her letters –which she loved to share— and oral history practices to facilitate interviews with women from all over the world. The interviews invite women to reflect on their own life experiences.

The most common and unsolicited feedback we get is: “Dear Rosa made me remember who I am”

HOW WE WORK

The Dear Rosa Project is a growing community of over 200 women and we prioritize working as a community.

Roses and Thorns: We gather together as a virtual monthly group to build sisterhood. We invite Guest Facilitators to bring in a special skill or topic to share with the group. From a Grief and Bereavement Expert to learning body positivty through a Burlesque artist, we seek to create creative and safe spaces for women to connect. All who have completed their interview are welcome.

We are currently at work transforming the oral history transcripts of our Dear Rosa interviews into a play: But There Will Be Joy. The first showing is planned for December 2025.

Stay tuned for more information about our forthcoming Youth Program and Jewelry Line, Rose Gold