Marissa Wendte is a passionate development professional and community advocate with deep roots in activism, civic engagement, and volunteering. Her extensive experience spans community-based and conservation-focused organizations, where she has honed her expertise in strategic planning, donor engagement, program management, and event coordination. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marissa has volunteered with a wide range of organizations, including Charlottesville and New Orleans Ladies Arm Wrestling, Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together New Orleans, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Marissa’s creativity, dedication to community service, and proven track record of success make her an inspiring leader, collaborator, and advocate for all those working to build a more inclusive and resilient world. A native New Orleanian who relocated to Charlottesville in 2022, Marissa loves music, "playing" the trumpet, yoga, and traveling with her son and husband as much as possible. When she is not working on her next crafting project, Marissa enjoys spending time outside with her family hiking and camping.