Discover DeSoto: Bridging Hope, Leading Change, and Cultivating Community with Karissa Roosa

In this episode of Discover DeSoto, we sit down with Karissa Roosa, Director of All Faith’s Food Bank Food and Resource Center in DeSoto and a passionate Public Innovator. From connecting neighbors to essential resources to building collaborative partnerships and community-led solutions, Karissa shares her journey, leadership philosophy, and the heart behind her work. Tune in for an inspiring look at how one leader is helping DeSoto grow stronger together.

Key Podcast Themes

Community Impact Through Local Leadership – Karissa Roossa shares how her work through All Faiths Food Bank is deeply rooted in meeting the needs of local community members and supporting long-term positive change in DeSoto County.The DeSoto Food and Resource Center is more than a food bank. Karissa explains how they connect neighbors with a wide range of services, including housing, healthcare, and employment, by partnering with other local organizations to serve the whole person.

Leadership Beyond the Job Title – Karissa is more than a nonprofit director, she’s a public innovator. After completing training with the Harwood Institute through The Patterson Foundation, she has embraced a community-centered leadership style that amplifies aspirations and fosters meaningful change.

Active Participation in Community-Building Initiatives – In addition to her daily work, Karissa is highly involved in multiple initiatives with The Patterson Foundation. She is often involved in programs and events, contributing her energy and ideas to various community-focused regional efforts.

Timestamps 

• 00:22 - Introduction to Karissa and her role with All Faith’s Food Bank Food and Resource Center in DeSoto.
• 01:17 - Karissa shares what brought her and her family to DeSoto County.
• 03:00 - Karissa shares what makes DeSoto County unique.
• 06:01 - Karissa discusses her early involvement with The Patterson Foundation and key events that shaped her engagement.
• 08:39 - Karissa discusses her experience hearing Rich Harwood speak at a local school in DeSoto County.
• 10:19 - Karissa reflects on being a member of the round tables for nonprofit leaders in DeSoto County and what she took away from that experience.
• 12:25 - Alicia discusses the Public Capital report and recommendations from that report. 
• 13:45 - Karissa describes her experience at the Public Innovators Lab, a two-day event with over 50 local leaders.
• 17:57 - Karissa and Alicia discuss the four teams that have emerged since the Public Innovators lab (Housing, Health, Faith-Based, and Youth).
• 18:53 - Karissa answers, “What are your aspirations for DeSoto County?”
• 21:48 - All Faith’s Food Bank in DeSoto County: Karissa shares helpful details about what the food bank can provide (like food, support programs, or referrals) with community members who connect with her.
• 29:40 - Karissa breaks the rules and provides listeners with two favorites for her Discover DeSoto highlight: Porch Night and Farmhouse Coffee.

Links to Learn More

DeSoto County Ahead

Public Capital Report

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