About the Founder & CEO
Years ago a seed was planted….
Meet Rosie McCamery
Rosie McCamery is the founder and CEO of S.O.A.R. Hospitality & Travel YLC, Inc., a multifaceted 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in Roselle, NJ. S.O.A.R. was founded in 2013 to provide educational awareness, practical tools, and real-world experiences to underserved youth in the areas of hospitality, travel, business, and entrepreneurship. As a teenager, Rosie enrolled in her high school’s Travel and Tourism Magnet Program which opened doors for her to travel abroad and gain a more diverse perspective. This experience inspired her to “pay it forward”, giving back and paving the way for others to live out their dreams. Thus, the birth of S.O.A.R.!
At just 16, Rosie traveled to the pristine Golden Sands Hotel in Oistins, Barbados where she and her fellow classmates served as interns. This trip was later followed by a two-week internship to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida! This program afforded Rosie the opportunity to see the world from a much different lens. A seed was planted, and an imprint was left. For the first time Rosie could see herself accomplishing anything she put her mind to. The impact that the program had on her life was immeasurable. She was able to achieve some of her greatest and most sought-after goals. But it was the memories she treasured the most that would inspire her to do something even more. Through S.O.A.R., Rosie’s hope is to encourage young visionaries to think beyond the “box”, using what they see as a stepping-stone to become the greatest version of themselves.
Rosie served as the lead Education Training Specialist at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in the Office for Research, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing and managing training programs. However, in July 2023 after dedicating 8.5 years to Rutgers, she made a significant decision to step down from her position, choosing instead to channel her full commitment to expanding S.O.A.R.
Rosie is a seasoned professional with more than two decades of expertise in training, education, curriculum development, community outreach and engagement, and mentoring. She is dedicated to the development of underserved communities, youth, and young adults. She is a senior enlisted member of the United States Air Force having served for over 19 years, and currently holds the position of Unit Training Manager for Intelligence. Rosie also serves as the fundraising chair for the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer’s (SNCO) Council, participates as a committee member for the Roselle Women on the Move (RWOTM) young women’s mentoring group- a Borough of Roselle initiative, and actively contributes as a member of the Roselle Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she holds a position on the board of directors for the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) of Union County.
Rosie holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in public administration with a focus on non-profit organizations and governance, earned at the prestigious Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY). In 2019, she successfully completed the Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer's Leadership Academy and is currently pursuing a leadership certification through the NJ Air National Guard’s CATALIST Program.
Rosie credits God for all of her blessings! She is a loving mother to her two beautiful children, Lyniah and Leon Jr., a wife to her amazing husband Leon Sr. of 12 years, and a youth and community advocate. She is a training and course developer by trade, but a forward thinker and innovator by design.