Savannah Marten has served in fundraising and non-profit leadership for 14 years. Savannah is the Executive Director at Bella Vita Network, which houses Soul Purpose, The Pregnancy Center and The Haven. She has been involved at the center since 2012 and previously served as the Executive Director of the Pregnancy Center and as the outreach and fundraising director. Savannah attended the University of Toledo and studied communications.
Savannah loves that she is able to see the power of a community providing sustainable avenues of parenting for the families and women that Bella Vita serves. Savannah was recently appointed by Senator Matt Huffman to serve on the Commission on Infant Mortality. Savannah is married to Ryan, her best friend and the love of her life. Savannah adores her dog Louie, cruising around town in her Jeep, anything Toledo, and cooking and enjoying meals around the table.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
the incredible people that I work with, from the board, staff, volunteers, donors, churches and community members, this is such an amazing community.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Bishop Daniel Thomas – he is such a Shepard of our community as a whole. He is visionary and I can always count on him for a great story and a good laugh.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Paris! I fell in love with the city when I went and have wanted to return since the moment I left.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
learn as many people’s stories as you can, especially those you’d be inclined to judge. The more I’ve sat across the table from people and heard their stories I realize how much we have in common, and what a great community we have.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
to see all 7 wonders of the world
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Inside the Five for sure. Condoleezza Rice. I’ve always dreamed about being Secretary of State. I deeply admire the way she carried herself as a female leader and I also would love to discuss her golf game
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how vibrant and diverse our community is. From the arts to the grit of our local businesses, what’s not to love!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
the new Metropark!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Christina Rodriguez, the Director of Mom’s House.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Fun, the place to be, a place I love!
