Meet the Herd: Marissa

Meet Marissa, the Zebra Centre’s Director of Engagement & Development! She shares all about her leadership role at our Centre, why she’s proud to show her stripes, and more!

Q: Tell us about your role as Director of Engagement & Development at the Zebra Centre.

Marissa: As the Director of Engagement & Development, I oversee a diverse team of amazing individuals, including our Philanthropy Lead, Community Education Lead, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, and Volunteer Program Coordinator. While our team doesn’t serve children and families directly, we are working hard to ensure the Zebra Centre has the funding it needs and the support of our community. We promote awareness of the important work of our staff and partners and educate our community about child abuse, how Zebra helps, and how we can all help keep children and youth safe.

Q: What does a typical “day in the life” as Director of Engagement & Development look like?

Marissa: I don’t think I’ve encountered a “typical” day yet! My team is the centre of my role, so wherever they need support is where I try to channel my energy. I could be out at a community event, interviewing potential volunteers, or planning an upcoming event to promote the new Zebra Centre. I could be updating our website, helping design new promotional materials, or building a Facebook ad campaign. One thing that is typical for me is trying to get in some snuggles with one of our facility dogs when I’m in the office!

Q: What do you love most about your role?

Marissa: I love that I get to work so collaboratively with the whole Zebra team. I love helping to set a vision for the future and supporting the team in getting there. And I do love that every day is different—I get to learn new things all the time and come up with creative solutions to challenges we are facing.

Q: What is your proudest moment at the Zebra Centre so far?

Marissa: I am proud every moment I hear a little voice echoing down the hall, knowing that our team is helping them get the support they need during the most difficult time of their life. I’m also proud of all the work we’ve done to build the new Zebra Centre. Soon after I started, I helped plan our new Centre announcement event. Seeing the space packed with dedicated partners, community members, donors, and media made me very proud of the work we do.

Q: What motivates you to show your stripes (your why)?

Marissa: At the end of the day, I am proud to say I work for the Zebra Centre, surrounded by a herd of incredible people who just want to support children and youth who have experienced abuse. There is so much heart here, it really brings tears to your eyes.

Q: Lastly, share a surprising or fun fact about you.

Marissa: I love festivals and am cherishing the opportunity to share that with my two little girls! It is fitting that the only two places I’ve lived, Edmonton and Edinburgh, are known for their festivals!