Rose Filicetti, an influential advocate for social justice and a dedicated community leader in Capitola, California, passed away on November 10, 2023, due to complications from heart surgery. She was 73 years old. Filicetti’s extensive service included roles as a trustee for the Santa Cruz County Board of Education, a field representative for various local politicians, and a supporter of over 100 nonprofit organizations.
Her longtime friend, Suzanne Doty, who served as board treasurer for Nonprofit Connection Santa Cruz County, which Filicetti helped establish, described her as “a remarkable woman” known for her intelligence and compassion. Doty emphasized Filicetti’s exceptional networking abilities, stating, “She brought a lot to this community.”
A Diverse Career in Education and Nonprofits
Filicetti earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in business with a focus on finance and banking from Golden Gate University. She began her career in the banking sector, working her way up to vice president at institutions such as Crocker National Bank and Bank of America. Her transition to public service included a decade on the Mountain View Whisman School District Board of Trustees and significant roles with the Mountain View Educational Foundation and the Santa Clara County School Boards Association.
More than ten years ago, Filicetti relocated to Santa Cruz County, initially expecting to retire. Instead, she found new opportunities to make a difference. One notable endeavor was her involvement with Digital NEST, a nonprofit focused on providing job skills to underserved youth in areas affected by Silicon Valley’s economic dynamics. Jacob Martinez, the organization’s founder, credited Filicetti as his “biggest advocate” from the start and praised her ability to attract early donors, which was crucial for the nonprofit’s expansion.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Community Engagement
Filicetti’s commitment to social justice was evident throughout her career. She championed the rights of women, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Doty highlighted Filicetti’s dedication to equality, noting her efforts in establishing the Breaking the Glass Ballot initiative aimed at increasing female representation in elected offices. Disheartened by the lack of women on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, Filicetti organized meetings to inspire women to run for office.
Her impact on the community extended to her tenure on the Santa Cruz County Board of Education, where she served from 2017 to 2023. Filicetti was an energetic advocate for partnerships between nonprofits and educational institutions, particularly focusing on LGBTQ+ student rights and public health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faris Sabbah, the county superintendent of schools, recognized Filicetti as a passionate trustee who always sought opportunities for improvement. “She was somebody who never took no for an answer,” he remarked, adding that she viewed challenges as chances to innovate.
In March 2020, Filicetti founded Nonprofit Connection to address gaps in services among local nonprofits. This initiative aimed to foster collaboration and resource sharing among organizations. Doty noted that under Filicetti’s leadership, membership grew from an anticipated 25 to 100 nonprofits in a year, demonstrating the community’s need for such a network.
Filicetti’s commitment to community service extended to her family as well. Her three children all followed paths in public service, with her son Matt Savage working as a program manager in the Santa Clara County Health Department and her daughter Andrea Savage co-founding the Denver nonprofit Commún.
Filicetti’s passing came shortly after a planned heart valve replacement surgery at Dominican Hospital. Following complications, she remained in the intensive care unit for nearly three weeks before her death, surrounded by family. Doty shared that Andrea sang to Filicetti as a final farewell, fulfilling her mother’s wishes for a peaceful transition.
A celebration of life is scheduled for December 1, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center in Santa Cruz. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, Filicetti’s favorite color, and share memories of her impactful life. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in her name to Nonprofit Connection, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Commún Denver Inc.
Filicetti’s legacy of compassion and community engagement will continue to inspire many in Santa Cruz and beyond. Doty reflected on her friend’s influence, stating, “She helped ignite that in all of us.”
