Marina P. Gross

How would you support the FSAA’s mission to provide opportunities for alumni to connect and further their leadership and service in their communities?

I would love to continue being a board member. I continue to envision creating a campaign highlighting different ways we can serve and foster our respective communities. I believe potentially changing some award criteria and create new categories is a crucial step in that direction. This would accomplish a goal I described last year: By highlighting the small or big actions previous alumni have taken to inspire the next generation of Ford Scholar community leaders.

What skills, expertise, and/or other assets will you bring to the Board of Directors?

I operate well under pressure. This means that even with a packed schedule, I am able to get my work done and take on new projects. My strong problem-solving and relationship building skills allow me to think creatively and strategically. I am able to find the common denominator and motivate people with competing interests to work towards a shared goal.

What would you like to accomplish while on the Board of Directors?

My main goals remain unchanged: The first is to highlight different avenues of community service and leadership. Encouraging alumni to partake in seemingly small actions that nonetheless have long-term impact is a great way to get more people excited about serving others. My second goal is to continue to support the FSAA’s mission of a strong governance board. I have learned a lot in the last year about effective boards and am excited to put this to good use. I continue to have the deep desire to serve the Ford Family Foundation and begin to give back what the foundation has giving me in the past. I am so often reminded of the words in my own Ford acceptance letter years ago: “Kenneth Ford has never invested in something he did not believe in.” By joining the FSAA board, I could invest in something I deeply believe in, and I would be honored to continue to serve in such a meaningful capacity.