Rosemary Allison: A Lifetime of Service, Leadership and Community Impact
For Rosemary Allison, giving back to the community isn’t just something she does—it’s who she is. A longtime Santa Rosa Valley resident and one of Ventura County’s most respected Realtors, Rosemary has spent decades pairing professional excellence with a deep commitment to philanthropy, public service and leadership.
As an elected member of the Santa Rosa Valley Municipal Advisory Council, Rosemary has overseen projects ranging from the creation of a local equestrian and hiking park to the installation of traffic lights that improved neighborhood safety. She also helped establish the Santa Rosa Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which connects residents with vital updates on fires, mountain lion sightings and local crimes while maintaining supplies to assist during natural disasters.
Her dedication to public safety and civic engagement is matched by her philanthropy. Rosemary serves on the Board of For The Troops, a nonprofit that ships 2,000 “We Care” packages to deployed service members every month. For the past 7 years, she has chaired the organization’s annual gala at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, raising essential funds to cover nearly $30,000 in monthly postage costs. She has also championed fundraising for the American Cancer Society, YMCA and countless local schools and youth sports programs.
This commitment has earned her numerous accolades, including
- Woman of the Year 2024, bestowed by Senator Henry Stern, who praised her “lifelong dedication to bringing people together for the greater good.”
- 2025 marked her Golden Jubilee Year, commemorating 5 decades as one of Ventura County’s most respected and consistently top-performing Realtors.
- First Annual Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Award (2025), honoring her outstanding leadership and service to Ventura County.
- City of Thousand Oaks Community Service Award (2025), recognizing her lasting impact through real estate, civic service, CERT and nonprofit work.
- Volunteer of the Year, Ventura County (2010 National Philanthropy Day), awarded by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and American Cancer Society after she chaired a gala that raised more than $225,000 for cancer research and programs.
- The Conejo Simi Moorpark Board of Realtors Community Service Award.
- Multiple reader-voted honors as Best Realtor, including 8 consecutive years in the Los Angeles Daily News and repeated wins from the Ventura County Star, VC Reporter and Thousand Oaks Acorn.
- National recognition by The Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 250 Realtors in the United States.
Rosemary’s path to service was shaped early on.
“Growing up, my parents instilled in me the value of service and reminded me that true success is measured by the impact we leave on others,” she explains.
Later, in real estate, she saw firsthand how deeply life-changing a move could be for a family—and realized her work could extend far beyond contracts to touch lives in meaningful ways.
Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: "The big secret to my success is that there is no big secret,” Rosemary says. “Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work. You get out of life what you have the courage to put into it.”
When she was 21, she was so worried about getting married and “starting” life.
“What I know now is that each and every wrong turn in life can still lead you to where you want to go,” she emphasizes. “The road to success is always under construction. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
For Rosemary, the ultimate goal has never been recognition, but inspiration. She hopes her efforts encourage others to give of themselves, to strengthen the bonds of community and to create a legacy of generosity that endures for generations to come.
Beyond Rosemary’s own story, her devotion to service is mirrored by her family. Her daughter, Cristina, and son, Joe, have each carved their own paths as passionate philanthropists—extending the family legacy of generosity, civic engagement and leadership into a new generation.
United by shared values and a drive to uplift others, Rosemary’s family continues to shape their community, proving that compassion and service are woven deeply into their lives. The following sections shine a light on Cristina and Joe’s unique contributions and the growing impact of Ventura County’s family of philanthropists.
Dr. Cristina Markiewicz: A Life of Service and Leadership
For Dr. Cristina Markiewicz, service is not simply part of her career—it is the foundation of her life. As the owner of Newbury Park Dental Arts, she blends a passion for dentistry with a deep commitment to giving back, creating lasting impact both within the Conejo Valley and beyond.
“Giving back has always been central to my life,” she affirms, a sentiment that defines both her mission and her legacy.
At her practice, Dr. Cristina is dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care while continually investing in advanced technology and ongoing education for her patients and team. Yet her influence extends far beyond the dental chair.
She has served as president of the Conejo Valley Academy of Dentistry, a nonprofit devoted to mentorship, collaboration and continuing education for local dentists. Today, she continues shaping the profession as a member of the California Dental Association’s Board of Managers, helping set the course for patient care and professional standards statewide.
Her community involvement is equally robust. Dr. Cristina has held leadership roles as Event Chair for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, contributed to numerous American Cancer Society galas, and supported initiatives such as the For The Troops gala. She has chaired California Lutheran University’s Community Leaders Association Hats & High Tea and led the Westlake Village Women’s Club, raising funds for organizations including Conejo Free Clinic, Many Mansions, Temple Adat and Cancer Fit. Her generosity bridges diverse causes and communities, strengthening families and local connections.
Her service also spans across borders. On a mission trip to Fiji, she provided essential dental care and education to underserved populations. In San Francisco, she organized outreach efforts for Project Homeless Connect, ensuring those who are most vulnerable had access to critical services.
Recognition has followed her work. Named one of the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce’s “40 Under Forty” and honored with the prestigious Dugoni Service Award, Dr. Cristina remains grounded in her inspiration: her mother.
“My philanthropic heart was inspired early in life by my mother, who taught me the importance of generosity, relationships and service. Watching her treat clients like family and give back to the community shaped my values,” she reflects.
Mentorship and collaboration remain at the core of her vision for the future.
“True leadership means lifting others up—patients, colleagues and future generations of dentists alike,” she says. Her goal is to create a ripple effect of support, education and care, fostering communities where people feel valued, supported and inspired.
Ultimately, she believes that success is meant to be shared. Whether through her dental practice, nonprofit leadership or community outreach, Dr. Cristina approaches every role with unwavering commitment.
“Dentistry is more than a profession to me—it’s a calling and a way to make a difference every single day.”
Joe Markiewicz: Philanthropic Leader Strengthening Conejo Valley
Joe Markiewicz, a real estate agent based in Santa Rosa Valley, stands out as one of Conejo Valley’s most dedicated community leaders, blending hands-on involvement with heartfelt inspiration from family.
“I serve as a board member on the Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation and act as the Firewise contact for my neighborhood. Over the years, I’ve been actively involved in community cleanup efforts, safety initiatives and supporting programs that strengthen the bond between law enforcement and our residents,” says Joe, whose reputation as a generous neighbor is grounded in visible results and ongoing commitment.
Joe’s presence is felt across countless local initiatives, whether championing brush clearance campaigns for fire safety or serving as the neighborhood Firewise captain.
“I’ve been recognized for my community cleanup work and was honored as part of the 40 Under Forty awards, highlighting leadership and impact in the local community,” he shares, reflecting on accolades from the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce and the County of Ventura. Joe is also a driving force behind major events like Coppers and Choppers and the Shop with a Cop Children’s charity, always seeking ways to enrich the environment for families and first responders.
For Joe, the heart of Conejo Valley lies in its “sense of community, the beautiful open spaces and trails, and the farmland that gives our area such a unique character. It’s a place where neighbors know one another, families thrive and nature is always close by.”
The married father of two daughters credits his passion for service to his family roots.
“My inspiration comes directly from my mom. Growing up, I saw her give so much of herself to others, and it left a lasting impression on me. Giving back became part of our family fabric. My sister Cristina also shares that same heart for service, and together we’ve continued the tradition of contributing wherever we can.”
Joe’s philanthropic goal is simple but profound.
“My ultimate goal is to create a positive impact that strengthens and sustains the community—whether through safety, service or simply showing up for one another. I want to help ensure that Ventura County remains a place where families feel supported, connected and proud to call home.”
Whether organizing safety campaigns, fostering neighborly connections or volunteering at charity events, Joe says, “beyond my professional and philanthropic commitments, I find joy in fostering connections—whether it’s through community events, local organizations or just being there to lend a hand. At the end of the day, it’s about leaving things better than how I found them and setting an example for the next generation.”
“Growing up, my parents instilled in me the value of service and reminded me that true success is measured by the impact we leave on others.”
“My philanthropic heart was inspired early in life by my mother, who taught me the importance of generosity, relationships and service."