Raquel Oden

Accounts Payable Specialist, Finance Department, Rowan Salisbury Schools

Native of Santa Clarita, CA

Industry: Finance

Raquel Oden, with five children ranging in age from 8 to 17 and a full-time job, loves the feeling of family and community that she has experienced in Salisbury-Rowan since moving here with her husband, Rod. 

After living in several locations, the family came here for Rod’s job when he became Technical Director of Lee Street Theatre. He is now Executive Artistic Director. Raquel says that North Carolina and Rowan County are her favorites of all the other places that her family has lived. “There is the small-town feel but lots and lots to do,” she says.

The theatre is the family’s second home, Raquel says. She is resident house manager and stage manager for some of the productions. Her stepchild, Ariel Stansell, is a senior at Carson High School. One of her sons, Tristan Saunders, is a freshman at South Rowan High School. They are both involved in productions, as well as the younger kids, Lucas Oden, a sixth-grader; James Oden, a fifth-grader; and Sylar Oden, a third-grader. The three youngest are students at Salisbury Academy. 

In addition to work, theatre, and family, Raquel is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies at UNC-Pembroke. “It’s the degree for people with an abundance of life experience,” she says.

An active arts community is important to her family, and they found it here. “I love the arts that are supported in Rowan County,” Raquel says. “There is something to do almost every weekend! It may be catching a show at the theatre or a concert in the park. It may be seeing a show that the symphony is putting on or going to an arts exhibit. There are so many different arts experiences in this area!

“I really enjoy the community events that bring everyone together … all the festivals and the outdoor events including concerts, parades, and shopping events when everyone gets to come out together and have a great time.”

The PRIDE Festival is her favorite annual event. “I love how open and welcoming everybody is … from businesses to people from all walks of life. It’s a warm experience,” she says.

Bell Tower Green Park is her favorite outdoor space. “It’s beautiful no matter what time of day or night you’re there,” she says. “I love the open space and how close it is to downtown Salisbury.”

Carpe Vinum 121 on South Main Street in Salisbury is her favorite restaurant for “its fantastic atmosphere,” she says. “It’s an elevated experience with great food and service.”

Raquel thinks of diversity, support, and community strength when she discusses the county’s Be an Original,™ slogan. “I think it means to embrace yourself for who you are,” sha says. “We are all original and unique, and all those differences coming together and supporting one another in a community is amazing and beautiful. Rowan County is full of originals and that diversity makes us stronger as a community.”

She would like newcomers to discover the many attractions Rowan has to offer. “There are gems around every corner. from the shops to the restaurants to the entertainment,” she says. “You would be missing out on something special by not enjoying a taste of it all!”