Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosa Ruiz Kennedy.

Hi Rosa Ruiz , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hola Rosa here!

l am an immigrant originally from Venezuela residing in Nebraska tor the past 24 years. Single mom of two amazing kids, 17-year-old son, an 11-year-old daughter, and 3 furry girls 12, 7 & 5.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The past couple of years have challenge my life to the core. 2022 brought the hardest year of my life when at the age of 44 l had to hear the words “you are dying and you may not make it to tomorrow” after a sudden diagnosis with PMBL, a rare type of cancer. I had the choice them to live life at its fullest and decided to look back only to move forward and use all the lessons for my life turning points to have the best year yet! Healing physically is been helping me commit to healing in all aspects of my life, set boundaries, and ultimately grief the old version of myself who was a people pleaser to accept the new unapologetically me! 2023 opened my eyes to a reality l was too scare to face. After surviving cancer l was determined to live a fullfilled & happy life. I set strong boundaries an let go of toxic relationships. In January of 2024 l started with the separation from my then husband of 18 years and unmasked relationships that were flawed were hatred and rage broke my heart and soul. l faced a domestic violence assault when my ex husband grabbed me by the neck, this was truly the end, as it reminded me that the relationship was abusive and toxic in so many levels. I didn’t know how l could exist without people l shared two decades of my life with, but the separation was necessary. When l got cancer it affected me tremendously but it opened my eyes and gave me something far more powerful it gave me the ability to prioritize myself and the courage to live every day as it was the last one.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
l have devoted the past decade+ to teaching various assignments from elementary to adult settings. From working in schools, to teaching about mindfullness and yoga. I have worked hard to grow as a leader and an active member of my Omaha community and my chosen home in the US! I live by the motto “l teach what l need to learn” and this drives me as l move forward. I am proud of who l have become as an adult. I am now in a position where selfcare and being of service is in my top priority. My experiences are often the springboard for new projects. On 04/25/25 l will be launching a website to teach about selfcare tools in a very special project founded with my dear friend Sarah M. Check us out at www.mindfulyft.com and follow our socials @mindfuLyft.socials to learn more!

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Omaha is a small big city. Over the last few years we have seen a tremendous shift in local businesses and entrepeneurs. I love being part of a caring community that supports one another. As an immigrant who grew roots here, l have seen a positive change that inspires humanity.

Another reason l value out city is because of the people l have met and connected over the years. I’d like to take the opportunity to give a shout out to Women With Voices, a loval women group that has a special place in my heart for the continuous support, encouragement, and inspiration. The women there have always had my back and l reciprocate!