Lilianne Rossel was born in Havana, Cuba and graduated as electrical engineer from the University of Havana in 1989. She immigrated to the United States in 1992 and lived in Maryland for 10 years where she met and married Juan Rossel. They have three wonderful children, Carolina, born in 1996 with Down syndrome, Eric in 1997, and Antonio in 1999.

In December of 2001 the family relocated to Miami, Florida. Lilianne along with a group of parents with children with Down syndrome founded the Down Syndrome Association of Miami (DSAOM) in 2005. She has been the president of DSAOM for the past 13 years where she has actively worked to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome, as well as other disabilities.

With her leadership and commitment to DSAOM, Lilianne led efforts to create many programs and events, including:

• Welcome baskets to support new parents
• Mingle and Learn Program to educate and support families with individuals of all ages with DS
• Swimming and soccer programs
• Speech therapy programs
• Horse therapy programs
• Playtime programs
• Yearly family picnic
• Teen and adult dances
• Yearly fundraising event “The Miracle Walk/5K” with over 1,500 participants

As a strong believer in inclusion and opportunities for people with disabilities, she has been involved in outreach programs and contacting legislators on Capitol Hill to create awareness and support to those who’s voices have been ignored for many years.

Lilianne and her husband own Rossel Construction Group Inc. since 2005, where she acts as the CFO.  She has also been a real estate agent for the past 15 years.