Great Granddaughter of Titantic Survivor is Steady As She Goes

The Vassallo Interviews — Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor who interviews Oxford’s and our region’s leading personalities.

Steve said:

“The new Chairwoman of the Oxford Lafayette Chamber of Commerce has quite an interesting story to share! This 33-year-old mom of two has lived anything but a boring and dull life. Kate’s family continues to inspire her today. A great grandfather who survived The Titanic is only part of this lady’s gene pool!”
HottyToddy.com — Kate, tell us how you ended up in Oxford.
Kate Rosson — My mom graduated from Ole Miss as well as my older sister Elizabeth. I wanted to be different and go to Clemson. However, when I fell in love with Oxford and Ole Miss, I was hooked.
HottyToddy.com — What about your educational background?
Kate Rosson — When I told my mom that I was going to attend Ole Miss, she had been in regular communication with a friend from Corinth who told her that she needed to apply for the house mother’s job at the Sigma Nu house. Talk about going back to school! She got the job and was here my first two years. It was strange, but wonderful! I majored in journalism and public relations (at one time I actually worked for Ed Meek, too) and earned my Masters in higher education.
HottyToddy.com — What drives you?
Kate Rosson — Stability is number one in my world! However, not settling but accepting changes and challenges in order to do better or to do something different. It may sound like a contradiction, but this is me. I live by the saying, “when life throw your curves, you learn to swerve.”
HottyToddy.com — Who has influenced your life the most?

Kate Rosson — .Without a doubt my mother’s father (Bill Miller Cooke, who passed away in 2007) still inspires me today. His rags to riches story is quite inspiring. His father survived The Titanic and had this not happened, I would not be talking to you today. I guess you could say I’m lucky to be alive!
HottyToddy.com — ( Following the goosebump surge after that last answer, we continued) The Chamber will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2015. Any special plans?
Kate Rosson — I would like to do something grand. This includes a very special and famous speaker at the annual banquet. I want to officially recognize and thank the 38 members who have been on board for the previous 25-plus years. And I would like to invite all of those who have served on the Chamber Board or a committee over the 75 year history to be recognized.
Hottytoddy.com — Define the word leadership.
Kate Rosson — Lead by example. Here’s one example from my 5th grade while in New Jersey. Our 8th grade always took a one-week trip to a famous place in New Jersey to celebrate our graduation. I was told while in the 5th grade that future funds would not be available for my class to participate in this annual and traditional activity. I could not accept this and began fundraising efforts immediately. The bottom line is we all were able to go!
HottyToddy.com — What is your present occupation?
Kate Rosson — I am a Senior Consultant for Organizational Communications with the American Cancer Society based in Atlanta. I am now in my fourth year. Prior to this I directed my own company (an event planning company) for 10 years out of Oxford. I met my husband during this ttimeframe, while planning a wedding.
HottyToddy.com — Regarding your family, any children?

Kate Rosson — I have two. My son Barron is 4 and my daughter Southerlin was 1 on April 25. They are my biggest accomplishment, hands down.
HottyToddy.com — What dreams and visions do you want to accomplish while you’re young?
Kate Rosson — I want to inspire my children to be themselves.
HottyToddy.com — Success showers you. What can you share with Ole Miss students today to help them realize their career aspirations?
Kate Rosson — Don’t take NO for an answer! Believe in yourself and disregard harsh words. Never be afraid to try new things, whats the worse that can happen — you learn you don’t like it? Big deal! Move on to something else then!.
HottyToddy.com — The new position that you have just moved into with the Chamber is unique for someone as young as you.
Kate Rosson — I think at age 33 it’s quite an accolade. I love building my résumé! But I’m really proud to be serving as the youngest chair of the Chamber yet.
HottyToddy.com — What are you most passionate about?
Kate Rosson — At age 23 I started my own business which evolved into a $20M enterprise. I am an Entrepreneur at heart. It’s always been a part of my life and my family’s lives.
HottyToddy.com — What do you enjoy on Sunday afternoons in order to relax?
Kate Rosson — Picnicking with my family on the land we have adjacent to our home.
HottyToddy.com — You were also quite an athlete.
Kate Rosson — I received a swimming scholarship to USC but did not want the sport to consume my life. During high school, I spent more time underwater than above. During that time I was perfecting my swimming skills seven hours daily!
Footnote — This young lady is the Energizer Bunny, if there ever was one. If she had told me that she planned on becoming President of the United States, I would have looked at future inauguration dates! Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.