Her Story
About Marsha
Marsha Mitchell-Bray is a distinguished communications and public engagement leader with more than 35 years of experience spanning journalism, public relations, public policy, and social justice advocacy. She began her career as a reporter for the Los Angeles Sentinel, the largest Black newspaper on the West Coast, where she served for a decade in key editorial roles including youth editor and city editor. She later transitioned into public relations at Strategy Workshop, where she refined her strategic communications expertise under the mentorship of Leslie Sung Winner, strengthening her foundation in public messaging and community-focused storytelling. Building on this experience, Marsha spent 18 years in the regional center system as a communications officer, where she managed communications for a large public agency with an annual budget of $200 million. In this role, she led comprehensive communications strategies and conducted advocacy and lobbying efforts in Sacramento on behalf of individuals and families with disabilities, including those impacted by autism, intellectual disabilities, and cerebral palsy. Her work focused on advancing equity-driven policy solutions and ensuring that vulnerable communities received access to critical services and support. In her current role with Community Coalition, a community-based organization founded by Mayor Karen Bass, Marsha focuses on policy, advocacy, and strategic communications that amplify the voices of underserved communities in South Los Angeles. She has contributed to efforts that helped secure significant public investment, including policy-driven initiatives supporting billions in resources for South Los Angeles. A UCLA alumna with a degree in English and an emphasis in Education, she also served as editor of the student publication NOMMO and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Throughout her career, her work has remained rooted in community engagement, outreach, social media strategy, and public relations campaigns designed to ensure that historically marginalized voices are heard and represented.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marsha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a genuine passion for serving others, grounded in kindness, respect, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. Being a good listener has allowed me to understand the needs of others more deeply, build strong relationships, and respond thoughtfully in every situation. I also remain open and willing to learn new things, which has helped me continue growing both personally and professionally while adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to encourage and support others, stay committed to my dreams and goals, and keep pushing forward even when challenges arise. I’ve learned that growth comes from continuous learning, and the more you know, the more you grow both personally and professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to advocate for yourself with confidence, stand tall in your values, and never allow intimidation to diminish your voice. Know your worth, trust your abilities, and remain grounded in your purpose. When you lead with self-respect and resilience, you create space not only for your own success but also for others to follow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in public engagement today is cutting through the volume of digital noise while maintaining trust, credibility, and authentic connection across diverse audiences. Rapid changes in social media platforms, shifting public expectations, and increased demand for transparency require communication professionals to be highly adaptable and strategic. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to leverage digital tools, data-driven insights, and cross-sector collaboration to create more targeted, inclusive, and impactful outreach. In both the nonprofit and private sectors, the ability to build meaningful relationships, tell compelling stories, and engage communities in real time continues to elevate the importance and influence of public engagement work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life include being a strong and supportive team leader who brings positivity to others and helps create an encouraging environment. I value uplifting those around me, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and remaining consistently available to support others in need. These principles guide how I work, lead, and build meaningful relationships both professionally and personally.
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