Nonprofit Leadership & Action

I think it was an artist in a book by Tom Robbins who defined art as the act of making something you want to see. This idea has been the animating feature of my community activism.

As a working mother of two young children, I wanted classes and programs offered at times other than the standard 8-5 work hours. So I started a blog called Cville Working Moms, which grew into a community sharing resources and tips in groups and online for several years. Similarly, I started a monthly potluck for vegetarian families, a gay writing group, and a children’s book review blog that a local TV channel featured on the evening news.

As a lesbian in 2010, I noticed that gay couples didn’t hold hands in public, and there were no public gatherings that brought the community together. I imagined something else. So, a few friends and I started organizing picnics, a Valentine’s Day dinner, and finally, when donations started pouring in, a nonprofit organization.

I wasn’t the only one envisioning a more inclusive, visible community. I just had the honor of having the energy and optimism to help make it happen.

Leadership Roles


● Human Rights Commission, City of Charlottesville, commissioner, 2013-2016
● A Governor’s Task Force on LGBT Tourism appointee, 2015
● UVA Health Transgender & LGBTQIA Advisory Committee member, 2018-2023
● Charlottesville National Organization of Women board member, 2025-present
● Charlottesville High School Band Boosters board member, parent chaperone, 2021-2023

Awarded the 2016 Q Businesswoman Award by the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce.

President, Charlottesville Pride Community Network


Charlottesville, VA July 2012–June 2020
Founding organizer responsible for strategic vision, media relations, business strategy, board
development, budget oversight, volunteer management, fundraising, event planning, safe-space
training, public speaking, content organization, stakeholder partnerships, more. Engaged in:

  • Addressing needs of a diverse community through targeted programming
  • Managing board, volunteers; partnering with government and community leaders
  • Developing platforms and strategy for social media, website, email, print
  • Writing and distributing press releases, email newsletters, donor appeals, grant applications, social media campaigns, public presentations, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms
  • Growing event attendance and social media followers to +10k

Led special initiatives, including:

  • Documentary history project to film interviews with local leaders in the LGBTQ+ community
  • Covid Fund to support unemployed due to the pandemic
  • Reimagining the Family Photography Exhibit fundraising event in partnership with the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative and including a storytelling workshop with teens

“…Marshall is no stranger to forming and rallying groups around a common goal that she’s passionate about.”

– C-Ville Weekly, 2013 passionate people issue

Program Development: SafeCville

Organizer, instructor/trainer, 2017-2022. Led coalition of organizations to develop a suite of modules customized to a variety of sectors. Trained trainers. Employed feedback in constant process improvement loop. Developed relationships throughout the community.

Program Development: Audience-Based

  • LGBTQ+ Youth Programs, which included:
    • Monthly get-togethers and hangouts
    • Annual UnProm, dance event that drew teens from throughout central Virginia
    • Youth Pride, annual festival for preteens and teens providing resources
    • Region-wide student poetry competition and celebration and reading, in partnership with the Jefferson Madison Regional Library and the Virginia Festival of the Book
  • LGBTQ+ Family, sponsored outings and Facebook group for families with young children
  • LGBTQ+ Seniors, speakers and events
  • LGBTQ+ Business Cocktails – networking opportunities, events, and advocacy with local chamber of commerce
  • Trans Night Out, regular events to support community building

Volunteer Efforts

  • CHS Mountain Bike Team communications manager, parent volunteer, 2022-2025
  • Meditation leader, teacher-in-training, writing group leader, Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville
  • SIde by Side youth facilitator
  • Reader, speaker, Sojourners United Church of Christ
  • Covenant Group leader, spiritual support volunteer, Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Universalist Church

amy-sarah marshall