By: Beena Yusuf SHE Magazine USA

Rosa Maria Smith is a powerhouse of purpose. A woman whose presence ignites passion, Rosa has made it her mission to empower others—through dance, through real estate, and through her unwavering commitment to community.

A licensed real estate agent serving San Antonio, Texas, and surrounding areas, Rosa operates with a rare blend of professionalism, creativity, and cultural pride. Her official website, rosamariasmith.com, reflects not just her listings—but her larger-than-life personality and purpose.

Roots that Run Deep

Originally from El Cajon, San Diego, California, Rosa Maria proudly embraces her dual heritage—Mexican and African American. Her journey brought her to San Antonio at the tender age of seven, where she grew up on the city’s Southside and graduated from Southwest High School. The foundation of her resilience and ambition, she says, comes from her mother—originally from Jalpa, Zacatecas—who single-handedly raised Rosa and her siblings with grit, love, and relentless perseverance.

From Dance Floors to Global Stages

Before real estate, there was rhythm. Rosa Maria first captivated audiences as a professional salsa dancer, performing both nationally and internationally. Her choreography and performances have graced some of the most prestigious stages in the Tejano music scene, including shows for Grammy Award-winning artist Sunny Sauceda at the 36th Annual Tejano Music Awards. She has also choreographed multiple productions for the Tejano Music Awards and wowed audiences at events like Mr. Gay San Antonio with the iconic Hause of Rawzé.

For nearly a decade, Rosa has also served as a guest judge for Dancing with the Stars San Antonio, a community event benefiting the Local San Antonio Area African America Community Fund—a testament to her enduring support for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.

Real Estate with a Mission

Rosa’s transition from performance stages to property listings was anything but accidental. Real estate, for her, is another stage—one where she gets to perform with strategy, impact, and care. In October 2020, Rosa achieved a lifelong dream: purchasing an investment property in Downtown San Antonio. She now operates La Bella Stays, a long-term rental company designed to provide a world-class tenant experience in the heart of the city. www.labellastays.com

Yet, Rosa doesn’t stop at selling or leasing homes—she teaches others how to build wealth through real estate. She regularly visits local elementary schools in San Antonio’s Southtown area, introducing children and families to the concept of generational wealth through property ownership. Her efforts are paving the way for young minds to imagine futures rooted in financial independence and community development.

Innovation Beyond Limits

Rosa Maria’s brilliance doesn’t stop at dance and real estate. As a Strategic Innovation Advisor at USAA, she is currently named co- inventor on two patents pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Each invention is a reflection of her dynamic career and commitment to forward-thinking solutions.

Dedicated to Helping Women and Small Businesses Thrive

Equally committed to entrepreneurship, Rosa has helped numerous women-owned businesses thrive by offering guidance in business strategy and execution. Her coaching has allowed these ventures to sharpen their identity, amplify their impact, and establish themselves as experts in their fields.

A Force to Be Reckoned With

Whether she’s spinning on a stage, closing on a dream property, mentoring students, or developing the next big idea—Rosa Maria Smith is always moving with intention. She’s not just building wealth; she’s building a legacy. And in doing so, she’s helping others do the same.

Published by Jeremy S.