Meet Marissa Forbes, the Conservancy’s Development Coordinator. Marissa brings writing, organization, creativity, and a passion for community to the Conservancy’s fundraising and marketing operations. Read her interview to learn more.
Civic Center Conservancy: Tell us about yourself and what you’ve been up to.
Marissa Forbes: I’m an artist, a writer, and mom of two boys. Since returning to Colorado in 2014, I taught art to toddlers-adults at Art Garage and gained valuable experience cultivating funds, memberships, and expanding outreach as the Program Manager for both Knitting4Peace and Nonprofit Learning Lab. I have been the Managing Editor of Twenty Bellows (a local Indie Press) since 2020 and in 2023, I published two full-length poetry collections, Surviving Peter Pan (Beyond the Veil Press) and Brief & Bleeding Margins (World Stage Press). I also currently teach poetry in a 10-month publication program with Community Literature Initiative. I spend much of my energy as a pilar in the Denver creative community building up other artists and poets while fostering my kids’ rambunctious spirits.
CCC: What drew you to Civic Center Conservancy?
MF: Social impact through inclusive public spaces is a personal and professional passion of mine, plus Civic Center Park is a sanctuary for me and my kids. Everything about the Development Coordinator position felt aligned with my desire to do work that makes a difference. The goal of the development team to raise funds to build community through beautifying the park, supporting communities through activations, and most importantly ensure the park’s future for next generations are all things I knew I would be so proud to be a part of.
CCC: Do you have a favorite Civic Center event or program?
MF: I love the Civic EATS program! I worked from home when my kids were very young and EATS was a way to get out of the house and encourage them to try new foods. Indy Eve is an awe-inducing event I take my kids to so we can see spectacular fireworks (and an even better drone show in 2024) then on July 4th we can still have our own little fun at home with snakes and sparklers.
CCC: What interesting fact should we know about you?
MF: I am honored to represent 40West Arts District and West Colfax Community Association as the 2025 Poet Laureate! The opportunity to amplify creative connections through poetry is another dream come true.
CCC: What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
MF: I’m most eager to learn and grow, which sounds simple but when joining a small and powerful team, it means I’ll be able to step into the new year with fresh energy and jump right in with a goal-oriented mindset. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the community members—from the board to food truck vendors and park volunteers—as we move into the warmer seasons and the park activations begin to really amp up.
