In the early days of social media, when digital footprints were mere whispers on the web, Rose Genele saw a glimmer of the future. As a spirited social media and content coordinator at Vretta, she navigated the budding digital landscape with a curious mind but yearned for something more impactful. Her drive for challenge and change wouldn’t let her settle.
It was in the structure and predictability of legal work where Rose’s desire for transformation took root. The bureaucratic confines and the glass ceilings she faced could not contain her ambitious spirit. As a Black woman in tech, she stood at the crossroads of innovation and inclusion, holding less than 1% representation in the industry. But Rose saw this not as a barrier, but as a catalyst for change.
Her resilience became her beacon, guiding her through the labyrinth of unconscious bias and poor leadership. With each challenge, Rose built bridges with allies who recognized her talent and potential. These early supporters became the bedrock of her expanding enterprise, a testament to the power of community and shared vision.
The realization of a leadership gap in tech ignited a fire within Rose. The absence of visionary leaders in a world brimming with potential was the spark that led her to venture out on her own. She established a revenue and transformation consulting practice, The Opening Door.
Rose’s philosophy is as profound as it is simple: the belief in human potential, grounded in the principles of inclusion, ethics, and transformation.
As generative AI reshapes our world, Rose stands at the helm, ready to steer us toward a future where innovation is married with social responsibility. Her latest focus area is a testament to this vision, expanding her practice to include responsible AI, and sustainability.
Rose’s vision for the future is clear: she envisions organizations that are not just entities but ecosystems that balance safety and innovation, allowing people to do their best work, feel connected, and make ideas come to life.
Rose is an International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) member and sits on the board of the Canadian Centre for Ethics and Corporate Policy, and award-winning Volcano Productions. She was a 2024 nominee for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, and recipient of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch of 2024 Award. Rose is also alumnae of Toronto Metropolitan University, with a Bachelor of Commerce in Law and Business, and Certificate in Ethics.