Building Trust, Balance, and Community at Lead The Way

Staff Spotlight: Marissa Pierce

“Lead The Way has allowed me the space to be an exemplary mother as well as an employee. They are super supportive and continuously make space for me to grow professionally as well as personally.” - Marissa Pierce

For Marissa Pierce, Lead The Way’s Compliance Chief, the journey into youth development wasn’t one she originally planned on—but it has become a life-giving passion and career. A 39-year-old mom of two, Marissa carries with her over 15 years of experience in early childhood development as a teacher, mentor, and community partner. Since 2017, she’s been working in workforce development, combining her professional expertise with a personal mission: to ensure young people are equipped with tools, opportunities, and guidance to thrive.

 

From Peer Mentor to Purpose-Driven Leader

Marissa’s turning point came while working with WIC as a breastfeeding peer. She was approached to help mentor youth through A.M.P.—a role that started as a contracted position but quickly grew into something far greater. “What started as just a contracted employee became a passion,” she recalls. “Seeing outcomes, developing goals, and impacting lives has been the driving force to stay in this field of work.”

That sense of purpose continues to guide her at Lead The Way, where she plays a vital role in ensuring compliance while supporting the broader mission of student empowerment.

 

Compliance Work, the Heart of Connection

In her day-to-day role, Marissa oversees program compliance, making sure that all information for grants is appropriate and accurately recorded. While it may sound like behind-the-scenes work, its impact is far-reaching—her diligence keeps funds available and helps Lead The Way deliver on its promises to the community.

For Marissa, compliance is about more just than rules and regulations. It’s about relationships. “The relationships I’ve built with students and staff—that’s what keeps me going every day,” she says. Those bonds motivate her to push through hard deadlines and long hours, knowing that every detail she manages helps create opportunities for students to succeed.

Growing Through Challenge

The work isn’t without its challenges—tight deadlines and compliance standards often demand long hours. But Marissa sees those challenges as moments of growth. “I adjusted my schedule, stayed late, and completed to help keep us in compliance,” she explains. “These measures help to keep funds available and compliance standards met.”

Her commitment ensures that students and staff have the resources they need to continue their work.

Balancing Work and Family Life

One of the most rewarding opportunities Marissa has found at Lead The Way is the flexibility to balance her roles as both a single mother and a professional. “Transportation, games, school events can be difficult to balance with a 40-hour work week,” she shares. “LTW has allowed me the space to be an exemplary mother as well as an employee. They are super supportive and continuously make space for me to grow professionally as well as personally.”

 

At Lead The Way, leadership and empowerment aren’t just words on paper. “They have helped my journey by setting a professional standard of excellence,” Marissa says. “These values are modeled by your superiors so it’s easy to follow in their footsteps.”

She also treasures the unique culture of the organization: “I enjoy the overall comradery. We have the space to work independently, but we excel so much more as a unit. Collaboration with focus on the youth means everyone wins!”

 

Her Message to Future Teammates

If you’re considering joining or supporting Lead The Way, Marissa has one message: “APPLY!!! If you are looking for a place to call home that has deep rich connections to the community this is definitely the place for you. Great work that will assist with a sense of purpose.”

Marissa Pierce’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and balance—proof that behind every system and process at Lead The Way is a leader deeply invested in the people it serves. Success is built not only through compliance and accountability but also through connection, care, and community.