I grew up in St. Louis and came to Columbia for college.  I earned a B.A. in Political Science and a J.D. from Mizzou and just recently finished up my MBA through Stephens College. My first job out of law school was as Director of Planned Giving at Stephens College, but after four years of traveling I was ready to change.  For the last year I have been happily helping others as the Project Director at Voluntary Action Center where I coordinate our annual Christmas program, as well as our marketing and fundraising efforts.  Besides work I am actively involved with Rotaract, several Chamber functions (particularly Women’s Network and Ambassadors) and the City of Columbia Human Rights Commission. My husband Michael and I have been married for almost 7 years now and we adopted two wonderful cats from the Humane Society last fall.

Marissa Todd, J.D.
Project Director
Voluntary Action Center
573.874.2273
www.vacmo.org
projdir@vacmo.org

What do you think are the biggest challenges for professional women today?  Taking time to take care of ourselves.  We do so much with work, family and community organizations we often forget to take a breath and say “What do I really need right now?”  We all have to learn to say no sometimes and make time for ourselves.

What is something you wish you could change about your self? To talk slower – I often trip over my words because they are coming out of my mouth so fast!

Name one thing not many people know about you. I started out as a theatre major at Washington University in St. Louis but quickly discovered that was not the right path for me and transferred to MU after one semester.

What is the best business advice you’ve ever received? Always be honest and don’t compromise your ethics.  Reputation is all you have.

How would you describe your leadership style? I realize I am a control freak, but I like to work in teams and have lots of input to make sure the decisions being made are best for the organization.  No one is perfect but we all have something to contribute to make our work, families and organizations greater!

Has your career path held surprises along the way?  I was actually really surprised I landed the job at Stephens College since I had just finished law school and had no development experience.  It was a great opportunity and I’m glad they took a chance on me.  It led to fabulous friendships and experiences and inspired me to become a Stephens woman through the MBA program.

What do you do to relax? I love to read and watch funny television/movies.  I am also a crazy football (professional and college) and hockey fan and will watch as much as possible.

What is one personal goal you haven’t yet achieved? I have been trying to get through Les Miserables since I was a freshman in college.  It is still sitting on my bookshelf and I think I might finally be close to halfway there.

What is your workplace pet peeve? Not being a team player.  Having worked in two small offices now I have learned it is essential to communicate and share the load, even if it isn’t specifically in your job description.

Who do you consider a career mentor and why? I am priviliged to work for a wonderful person and mentor, Cindy Mustard, and feel so lucky to learn from her every day.  I also have leaned on Shatenita Horton at Boone County National Bank, Kerrie Bloss at Big Brothers Big Sisters and Jessica Macy at Boone County Council on Aging many times for advice and support.  They are all excellent examples of women balancing many things and making a great impact on our community.

What is your dream job? Full time volunteer would be awesome!  But as for a paying profession, one day I would love to be the executive director of a non-profit social service agency.  Helping people is why I went to law school after all!

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years – personally and professionally? Personally – having fun with the husband, hopefully traveling the world with him.  Professionally – trying to make our community a better place in whatever way I can.

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