Constructing Opportunities and Building Dreams
Rosario Corte co-founder of J.O. Drywall. Photo by Jennifer Marquez / JEFAS Magazine
From Immigrant to Entrepreneur: Rosario Corte’s Journey
When Rosario Corte arrived in Iowa in 1999, she brought more than her dreams, she brought an unwavering commitment to personal growth, continuous learning, and community empowerment. Navigating entrepreneurship as a Spanish-speaking immigrant, Corte has transformed challenges into opportunities. She co-founded J.O. Drywall in 2011 with her husband, mastering business operations, and creating a business that helped them become homeowners and raise a family.
The Roots of Latina Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Mexico
Her entrepreneurial spirit developed early, watching her mother lead a grassroots campaign to bring basic services like potable water, electricity, and paved streets to their colonia in Chihuahua, Mexico. As a teenager, Corte didn’t wait for opportunities, she created them. She began hustling young, running errands for her neighbors for a small fee. As a teenager she sold jewelry to buy her first car at 17. Her dad reinforced her entrepreneurial training when he’d take her with him to scout for vehicles. She remembers knocking on doors and making offers on junk cars her dad could fix and resell in his shop. In Iowa, while raising her kids, she made a name for herself selling food, pots and pans, and Herbalife. She also spent a lot of time developing her English skills and advancing her education.
Empowering Others: Community Service & Business Growth
While taking ESL and GED classes at DMACC, she heard about organizations serving women. Volunteering became a means to extend her ambition beyond her business. Her hours with Dress for Success Des Moines and the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which recently recognized her commitment to their mission with an award, speak volumes about Corte’s commitment to serving her community.
“More than anything, I like adding value to the lives of others,” she says, a philosophy that helps her transform interactions into growth. “Everyone I’ve met has contributed to me as a person. I pour that into my business. They have opened doors and introduced opportunities for new skills.”
Balancing Business, Family, and Service
Service and hustling are cornerstones of Corte’s identity. She spends her days managing the business with billing, tracking expenses, sending estimates, preparing job sites, and cleaning up after each project. On weekends she volunteers, cleans homes, and spends time with her four children and grandson.
The Future of Latina Entrepreneurship: Corte’s Next Chapter
With her children grown and launching their own ventures, Corte’s future is wide open so she’s turning her energy inward, seeking to expand her business savvy and impact. In November 2024 she applied to be part of The Latina Leadership Initiative’s 2025 cohort, which means more than just skill development; it’s a testament that her entrepreneurial spirit knows no bounds.
As she faces this new adventure, she shows that there’s no age limit for ambition and it has no expiration date. It’s safe to assume that no matter what life throws at her, Rosario Corte will never stop growing, learning, or looking for ways to create value for herself, her family, and her community.
