Rosa de la Cruz
A distinguished art collector and philanthropist, Rosa de la Cruz had a profound impact on Miami's contemporary art landscape. In 2009, she and her husband, Carlos, established the de la Cruz Collection, a private museum in Miami's Design District that generously offered free public access to their extensive contemporary art collection. Beyond her passion for exhibiting art and supporting visual artists, Rosa was also deeply committed to arts education. She initiated, and in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation funded, travel programs for students from the New World School of the Arts, enabling them to visit significant cultural destinations and engage with the global art world. She also supported the Design and Architecture Senior High School (DASH) through scholarships and educational initiatives that fostered the development of young designers. Rosa de la Cruz's remarkable dedication to making art accessible and nurturing emerging artistic talent has left a long-lasting legacy in Miami-Dade County's cultural community.