February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
DeRoiste has always been proud of her dual heritage and the perspective it gives her in having intimate knowledge of two different cultures, countries and ways of life.
DeRoiste’s mother, Leah Martin-Roche, is African American, and her father Donal DeRoiste is Irish. She has long been comfortable with her bicultural identity as she was raised with love, understanding of world cultures and respect.
When she was chosen as Philadelphia’s Rose of Tralee winner in 2004, the view taken by organizers of the event was that DeRoiste’s dual heritage was reflective of a new Ireland where diversity was welcomed.
Over the years, DeRoiste has involved herself in various causes, with the primary cause being humanity. She has always been involved in the “Each One Reach One” philosophy and actively reaches out in the community, sharing her time and skills with local youth. She has worked with her aunt, Adi Roche, founder of the Chernobyl Children’s Project International; volunteers for the Boys and Girls Club of Raleigh and has raised funds for Children’s Miracle Network, Duke Children’s Hospital and Pitt County Memorial Hospital, North Carolina.
DeRoiste has been honored by the YWCA for her role in the Pennsylvania Immigration and Refugee Women’s Network. Some years ago she also completed an internship as a reporter with the Patriot News in Harrisburg.
These days, De Roiste, who is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a BA in communications, has made a career in corporate sales. She and her family live in Raleigh, North Carolina enjoying life and spending time with each other. DeRoiste’s interests include yoga, golf, traveling, reading and creating new memories.