Get to know Marina von Bismarck and learn how she makes our league awesome in this week’s Member Spotlight!

How many years have you been in the league? I’m in my second Active year. So, 3 years total.

What committee do you serve on? I’m enjoying one of my first and favorite committees, Rummage.

What is your day job? In what seems like a past life, I worked in the Entertainment and Television industry. I was a celebrity publicist and eventually moved over to casting. I now have the privilege of dedicating a significant amount of time to philanthropy and enjoy traveling the world with my family.

What is your favorite thing to do in Phoenix? Eat & Explore. I love living in a city where you can explore new restaurants daily and still never conquer them all. The city also has so much to offer for entertainment. I enjoy testing my wits at the great trivia spots, frequenting the many stand-up comedy venues, and sampling the great variety of festivals that are always going on in the city. When living here, you can never be bored.

If you had an extra 8 hours in your day what would you do with it? Warren Buffett said: “Someone is sitting in the shade today, because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” Having extra hours to set up a successful tomorrow is a huge win. I would also like to add that  An extra 8 hours would technically give you enough time to incorporate another meal with digestion. Maybe I could conquer all those great restaurants after all!

In your opinion what is the best thing about being a JLP member? The strong sense of community and the relationships you build.  Serving as a member of the Junior League of Phoenix has broadened my horizons and perspective. It has given me the opportunity and knowledge to take action to help build a strong, healthy, and thriving community.

Why did you join the JLP? I had recently moved to Scottsdale and a few of my new friends recruited me. After looking into to it and discussing their experiences, I knew I could not pass up the great opportunity to grow as a person and make a positive impact on the city.

What do you want other people to know about JLP? The Junior League of Phoenix is a strong, growing force in the community. Together we stand to serve and take action on both a local and global level to help those in need or when crises strike. We empower women by providing them with leadership opportunities, helping them gain knowledge of current situations, and by building a strong network to support each other and flourish.

What is your favorite JLP memory? I have few favorite memories from volunteer opportunities I have had within the league. My favorite volunteer shift, which was full of great memories, was “Operation School Bell League.” It involved working hands on with children to provide supplies, uniforms, and other tools to help them succeed in school. It was an incredible and humbling experience.

I have had the privilege to Co-Chair the Rummage pre-party fundraiser every year since my provisional year in the League. Being on that committee provided me with a tremendous opportunity to grow in a leadership role and helped me create many new strong friendships. I thrive on organized chaos. Suffice to say, it is my jam