WonderLab is excited to welcome Andrea “De’ de la Rosa as a new member to the Board of Directors. De grew up in Lebanon, Indiana and graduated from Indiana University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in African- American studies. After graduation she moved to Oakland, California and worked in the service industry, eventually running her own business in the restaurant industry. 

In 2021 she and her husband decided to move back to Bloomington – a place where they could build community. 

According to De, their decision to move was bolstered by the thought of moving to a place where they could be part of the community and make a positive impact. “ We wanted to bring our skills and experiences to the table,” said De. “We have something to give and (Bloomington)  is a place that can use it.” 

Upon arriving in Bloomington De started working as a General Manager for Cardinal Spirits. In 2022 she went to work for the City of Bloomington and is currently the Assistant Director of Small Business Development. 

“I believe De will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the board,” said Karen Jepson-Innes, WonderLab Executive Advisor. “She is a unifying presence who works to bring people together and create strong community connections.” 

De has previously partnered with WonderLab on past projects such as the 2024 BUEA grant to replace the WonderLab front door with an accessible entry. 

“She understands our community’s needs and challenges,” Innes continued. “With her assistance WonderLab can play a greater role in addressing those challenges. I  am excited to watch Debring her determination and passion for unifying the community around common values.”

De said she is excited to serve on the WonderLab Board of Directors. When asked what she enjoys most about WonderLab, De stated: “The opportunity that it gives for children to learn and for families to come together in a space where they can learn is really quite amazing.”

Reflecting, De talked about how she loved science as a child and even, at one point, considered a future as a scientist or doctor. 

“WonderLab is a really incredible organization,” she continued. “I think if I had had something like WonderLab as a child, I would probably be in a different place, as far as my career goes.

“When you have a place like WonderLab, where it’s purely to learn and to have fun and build community….well, those are places we need to hold very, very dear. We need to make them as successful as possible to as many people as possible. If I can be a part of that and help that…well, I am very honored.”