02/19/2024
People of Our Community Who Make a Difference – Francisco Rojas
Can you imagine a world where all of the information for local non-profit resources was available in one, convenient place? This is the dream of Francisco Rojas and the other founders of Community Fuse, a free digital tool that helps people learn about resources, events, and organizations that provide services they did not know were available.
“I’ve always said that non-profits are the champions and architects of change. They are the ones who fight day in and day out to make our communities better, safer, and stronger,” Mr. Rojas said. “Volunteerism fuels these organizations so that we can visualize ‘change’ in our communities. Volunteerism is the first step towards becoming a hero. It’s ordinary people coming together to do extraordinary things moved by love.”
Another benefit of Community Fuse is the platform it gives to non-profits who are able to share their materials and event promotions with a wide audience, free of charge, which reduces marketing costs and enables donated funds to have a greater impact on the community.
“We don’t receive any compensation for this, but we are thankful to see what it has grown into with all of those who have supported our initiative,” Mr. Rojas said. “We love it and we are not stopping for anything.”
Born in Miami, Florida, Mr. Rojas returned with his family to Quito, Ecuador, where he graduated from Liceo del Valle high school and studied marketing at the Universidad de Las Américas. Mr. Rojas also earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and his master’s degree in organizational leadership from Columbia Southern University.
In addition to his service with Community Fuse, Mr. Rojas is a member of the 2024 class of Leadership Longview and a pastor for a virtual church community with congregations in several South American countries.
“God has blessed us with a team of leaders in Ecuador, who, with their help, we have been able to open three physical churches,” he said. “Through these churches, we have been able to provide school uniforms and supplies for children in poverty, deliver baskets, and purchase furniture and household needs to families in need, as well as lead them to Jesus.”
Mr. Rojas attributes his dedication to hard work to the example set by his parents, who were immigrants from Ecuador. He also attributes his passion for serving others to the “greatest leader of all time.”
“My greatest role model is the one who taught us what true service, based on love, is. He is the greatest volunteer of all time. He is the one who dedicated his last years on earth to spread life, freedom, values, truth, and love to all of those around him, regardless of race, socio-economic status, gender, or age without getting paid. He is Jesus.”
Mr. Rojas and his wife, Cristina, returned to East Texas seven years ago. He now works as the community and family engagement coordinator for the Longview Independent School District. The couple loves East Texas because of the faith and love demonstrated by the people.
“I truly believe that we are in a faith-driven area in our state,” he said. “There’s still room for growth and improvement, but our communities are very supportive when it comes to helping each other. It’s much easier to volunteer and get engaged in volunteerism when you live in a community like this.”
For more information about Community Fuse, please visit www.communityfuse.com.
