Rose Andom’s story of survival is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of giving back. From witnessing abuse in her childhood, to experiencing an abusive marriage and eventually becoming a champion for others, she illuminates the power of the human spirit and the importance of service.
Even after retirement, she continues to expand her impact, ensuring that survivors find the support and resources they need to break free from cycles of abuse and rebuild their lives.
A Legacy of Strength and Survival
Andom’s story begins with her mother’s courageous escape from abuse when she was just two years old. Fleeing in the middle of the night, her mother relocated the family to Kansas City, Kansas, where she worked tirelessly to provide for her children.
“I grew up watching my mother being an extremely strong person,” she recalls. “One of the things that I recall her saying on more than one occasion was, ‘No one can take care of you better than you can take care of yourself.’”
That lesson stayed with her as she navigated her own darkest moments and found herself in an abusive marriage.
“There were signs before I ever married him, and like so many women I know, we ignore everything,” she admits. The controlling and jealous behavior of her first husband escalated over time. “I had long hair, and he said it attracted too much attention, so I cut it,” Andom said. “I had this cute sporty car, and he said it attracted too much attention, so I sold it.”
The situation worsened when she left her corporate job to move to Los Angeles with him, leaving her financially dependent and isolated. The breaking point came in 1981 when she fled after he threatened her life.
Her cousin, who was more like a brother to her, encouraged her to stay in Los Angeles, reminding her that she was smart, educated and capable of succeeding away from home. Taking his advice, she decided to stay in Los Angeles and rebuild her life from the ground up.
From Survival to Success
Determined to reclaim her independence, Andom took a position in McDonalds’ fast-track program, working her way up from supervisor to franchising manager. The experience led to her entrepreneurship, and in the course of two decades, she accumulated six McDonald’s restaurants across three states, mastering business operations and leadership.
Her success in the business world was a remarkable achievement; but as she built wealth, she never forgot her past or the struggles of other survivors facing abuse.
A Haven for Survivors
Andom’s passion for supporting domestic violence survivors took shape one day when former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock inquired about her personal interests.
“When he asked what I was passionate about, the first thing out of my mouth was ‘helping survivors of domestic violence,’” she says.
Launched in 2016 with a $1 million founding donation from the entrepreneur, the Rose Andom Center became Colorado’s first family justice center, providing comprehensive support to survivors. The center brings together community organizations, law enforcement, legal aid and counseling services under one roof, reducing the burden on survivors seeking help.
Since retiring in 2015, Andom has continued to support the center, actively fundraising and amplifying the organization’s mission to help and heal its clients through economic empowerment and a wide-range of services.
Expanding the Mission
In addition to donating to organizations like the Denver Rescue Mission, Warren Village and Food Bank of the Rockies, Andom is planning to expand her efforts to include an affordable housing complex in Northeast Denver.
She is honored each year on October 31 – Rose Andom Day – for her leadership and willingness to give back; and in 2024, she was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame.
Beyond the walls of the Rose Andom Center, Andom’s advocacy has helped shift public conversations around domestic violence. She has spoken at national conferences, partnered with businesses to create survivor-friendly workplaces and worked with lawmakers to strengthen legal protections for victims.
Her journey is a beacon of hope, showing that life beyond abuse is filled with possibility, success and the ability to uplift others.
Editor’s note: To learn more about the Rose Andom Center, visit www.roseandomcenter.org.
