Rev. Rosado Rousseau, affectionately known as Mama Leo, was born on April 11, 1912, in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. It was in Puerto Rico that she first heard the call of God, a calling that would guide her life’s work and ministry. Feeling a deep urge to bring the Gospel to those in need, Mama Leo moved to New York City in 1935. She believed that God had a specific purpose for her in the Diaspora, and her ministry would reflect her commitment to uplifting the lost and the marginalized.

In 1940, alongside her pastor husband, Mama Leo founded the Council of Damascus Churches in the Bronx, a Pentecostal denomination that would serve as a beacon for justice and faith in the community. When her husband was drafted into military service, Mama Leo rose to leadership and became the first Latina Pentecostal pastor in New York City—breaking barriers and making history.

Her ministry was revolutionary, especially in her advocacy for sex workers and those struggling with addiction. Mama Leo was a pioneer in establishing the Damascus Christian Youth Crusade, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program that not only served the Bronx but became a state-wide model. Her efforts transformed the lives of countless individuals, and her ministry earned recognition for its impact on the community.

Mama Leo's legacy of preaching, teaching, and healing continued well into her nineties, as she continued to serve and guide those in need. Her work helped to establish holistic churches throughout the urban center, churches that are still in operation today, continuing her vision of serving the poor and the addicted.

Mama Leo’s influence extended far beyond her immediate community. Her ministry inspired many other leaders to open centers dedicated to addiction recovery and holistic healing. Among the many people who were influenced by her are Pastor John Gimenez, founder of the Rock Church in Virginia, and Bishop Jerry Kaufman, founder of Love Gospel Assembly in the Bronx.

In 2005, as she battled Alzheimer’s disease, Mama Leo entered a nursing home. She passed away in 2006, but her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the movement she helped create. Mama Leo believed that the mission of the church was not only to save souls but to be an agent of positive social change, and her work continues to inspire generations of leaders today.