Name
Emily Marshall
Company/Organization
Region IV Area Agency on Aging
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
At Area Agency on Aging, we live out our mission – “Offering choices for independent lives” by providing a care and services for the elderly and disabled in the tri-county area – Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
Age
34
Accomplishments
I have been at Area Agency on Aging for over seven years and during that time I have carried a continual caseload of 40-50 clients. That means I have been able to help hundreds of people in our community live independently, coordinating the services they need. This allows our fellow community members to live with dignity, surrounded by those they love.
In my spare time, I work for Southwestern Medical Clinic as a counselor. I enjoy walking alongside individuals, hearing their stories, and helping them to learn, grow, and cultivate a healthy narrative within their lives.
Additionally, I am a Copy Editor for a quarterly Christian publication called By Design. I enjoy the written word and finding ways to make the thoughts and ideas of others flow smoothly onto paper.
But most importantly, I am a wife to my loving and supportive husband, John, and mama to a spirited and energetic boy, Dexter. They are my greatest pride and joy!
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I hope to continue to provide help to those in need, impacting their lives for the better. More personally, I hope to finish writing my book – and perhaps pursue publication.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: English and Psychology – Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
- Master of Social Work – Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI
Residence
St. Joseph, MI
Where were you born?
St. Joseph, MI
What was your first job?
Dunkin Donuts Baskin-Robbins of St. Joseph, MI
Best advice you ever got?
You’ve got to get up every morning
With a smile in your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
“Beautiful” by Carole King
Who inspires you most?
I am always inspired by my family. Dexter, who is almost two, is a bundle of joy and fun. He loves life and everything and everyone in it. With one sloppy kiss of his, I am inspired to cherish each moment life throws at me. And my husband, John, is a huge inspiration. He works hard. He loves hard. And he reminds me to slow down and enjoy life.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
My love for travel and adventure runs deep. I spent a summer in Alaska doing missions’ work, I spent a month in Australia bicycling over 700 miles, and I lived in Spain for a semester, learning the language.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I love enjoying the backyard with my family. I enjoy going on long walks and slow runs. I enjoy reading and writing. And I love to bake!
What book are you reading now?
Oh Crap! Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki
Volunteer activity you love the most.
I am on the card writing committee for my church and each month I write a few cards to people in the community, providing encouragement and support.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
As a woman of faith, my drive to give back to the community runs deep. I want to share God’s love to everyone I meet. I appreciate that my job(s) enable me to do just that!
What Superpower would you most love to have? (for example, the ability to fly or to be invisible, or incredible strength, etc)
As a bit of a Harry Potter nerd, I would love the power of transfiguration – the ability to change objects from one thing to another. Just imagine! You want a cupcake? Bam – your salad transfigures into something much more delicious. 😉
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
Love. I would like to leave a legacy of love. Because without love, compassion, empathy, caring for others – what would life be?
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
Being named to the 40 under 40 list means that on the days when I don’t feel like I’m making a difference, when I’m in the muck and mire of endless tasks and “to do” items, I am reminded that I can make a difference – I am making a difference. And I persevere with my head held a little higher, my heart a little fuller.
