Say Hello to Luke 14:12's Newest Board Member, Mary-Grace Robb!

Luke 14:12 welcomes Mary-Grace Robb to our Board of Directors.

Luke 14:12 is thrilled to introduce the newest member of our Board of Directors, Mary-Grace Robb! 

Mary-Grace, what is something you are passionate about?

I am a commercial lender and branch manager at the Brentwood office of FirstBank. My work allows me to help someone every day and meet them where they are. As a relationship-focused banker, I want to make my knowledge and experience available to those around me. My dad says, “You don’t have to learn things the hard way. People are all around you, and you can stand on their shoulders.” I want others to be able to stand on my shoulders.

How did you become involved with Luke 14:12?

I was part of the Young Leaders Council, a mentoring program for young professionals who want to make an impact in their community. I learned about the many responsibilities of board members, including understanding legal issues, fundraising, and attending to diversity and equity.

After finishing the program, I knew I wanted to work with Nashville’s hungry population. My husband is a chef, and our family has always been concerned about people experiencing food insecurity, who lack access to enough nutritious food. I knew that at Luke 14:12 I would be able to contribute and also be held accountable for my work with the organization.

What excites you about this new chapter of life in Nashville?

“I love helping people get to the next step and supporting Luke 14:12’s G.R.O.W. program is part of this.”

I am from Nashville, and I love living here. I’m happy to raise my girls here. We love everything the city has to offer. We can walk at Radnor Lake and go hiking at the drop of a hat. We spend time at the Nashville Zoo, the Frist, and Ellington Agricultural Center. People here are invested in our city. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! At Luke 14:12, I can know more of our community and help others thrive here.

What will some of your work be as a board member?

Mary-Grace Robb celebrates Luke 14:12’s new grant program through FirstBank with Amy Dodson-Watts, Executive Director of Luke 14:12, and Will Powell, Market President for FirstBank Williamson County.

I am part of FirstBank’s newly funded initiative, the G.R.O.W. Hope Fund. FirstBank is thrilled for the opportunity to help those in Luke 14:12’s G.R.O.W. program achieve financial stability by helping them avoid predatory lenders and title loans that are hard to get out of. I love helping people get to the next step and supporting Luke 14:12’s G.R.O.W. program is part of this. 

I also want to do hands-on work with Luke 14:12. I look forward to working in the kitchen, meeting our volunteers, and talking with our guests. I want to develop a personal connection to our G.R.O.W. program participants and join them in their journey to a more secure future.

What would you like for people to know about Luke 14:12?

Everything you contribute at Luke 14:12 has an impact. Whether you can give time or give financial gifts, contributions of all sizes have a measurable, visible impact here. That’s part of what drew me to Luke 14:12, the way that a personal investment has a big impact on the organization.

“Luke 14:12 balances the immediate need people have for food, while providing support for people to take the next step.”

Even in times of uncertainty, the good thoughts and contributions of our community have kept our guests safely fed with nourishing meals each week. We’ve even been able to expand our 1st Meals program for Safe Haven that provides meals for people moving into permanent housing. Luke 14:12 balances the immediate need people have for food, while providing support for people to take the next step.

We are excited about the talents and passion for the mission of Luke 14:12 Mary-Grace brings to our leadership. Welcome, Mary-Grace!