“The Organization Really Sells Itself”: A Conversation with Nicole Marquez
After six years on the Warren Village Board of Directors, Nicole Marquez is rolling off — but she’s not going far. We sat down with the Denver native, affordable housing advocate, and Huntington Bank Vice President to talk about her tenure, what keeps her connected to the mission, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
You’re a Colorado native — born and raised here. How did community service become such a core part of your identity?
A lot of it really goes back to my mom. She spent 29 years at Wells Fargo in a leadership role and then transitioned to serve as president of Mercy Housing’s Mountain Plains region.
Growing up, I was constantly around volunteering, showing up at events, being present in the community. At the time, I didn’t necessarily think I’d follow a similar path. I had an opportunity to step into the non-profit arena with a career change and knew firsthand how transformational mission work was for people.
Once you see that kind of impact up close, it’s hard to look away. And for me, I never did.
How did Warren Village first come onto your radar?
My first introduction came through being a Denver CASA volunteer and one of the families I worked with was living at Warren Village, which planted the seed early on.
Years later, while I was at BBVA in a philanthropic funding role, we were supporting Warren Village, and I remember the family I served that lived there. My good friend Paul Bunyard was also terming off the board and raved about the organization and thought I would be a good fit.
As I learned more about the model, I really fell in love with it. What stood out most was the length of stay: two to three years, paired with true wraparound services. It’s not just housing. It’s stability, education, and long-term opportunity. It’s the whole picture.
What drew you to join the board specifically?
It really came down to two things: housing and single parents.
I didn’t grow up in a single-parent household, but I did grow up with teen parents. And I’ve always thought about how different things might have looked if they had access to a resource like Warren Village.
That question stuck with me. Joining the board felt like a meaningful way to advocate for families who just need that opportunity and a real chance to change their trajectory.
What are you most proud of from your six years?
First, my work on the nominating committee, where I helped build and strengthen a more intentional structure for identifying and selecting the right board candidates. This included creating processes that not only attract strong, mission-aligned leaders but also better support and onboard new board members for long-term success and engagement.
Second, I’m proud of my fundraising efforts, which have resulted in raising over $1.3 million for the organization.
What changes stand out most from your time on the board?
Alameda is definitely the biggest one: 89 new units of affordable housing, and being part of those strategic conversations around the model, including the balance between permanent supportive housing and the traditional Warren Village approach. That work was incredibly meaningful.
And the rebrand. Not every board member gets to be part of something like that from start to finish. I really believe it’s going to position the organization for continued growth and visibility moving forward.
What memories will you carry with you?
One that I’ll never forget was at a gala where a former resident shared that she had just purchased her first home through Habitat for Humanity and her overall story. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Another was at a resident recognition event at the Botanic Gardens—there was a mother who was blind, navigating that on top of everything single parents already face, and still showing up every single day for her kids.
Those moments stay with you. Every event, every dinner, every conversation with a resident, there’s always something you take away. The impact is real.
What advice would you give incoming board members?
Show up. It sounds simple, but it matters.
You won’t be disappointed if you attend a family night, sit down at an event, or listen to a resident share their story. Those are the moments that connect you to the mission in a way nothing else can.
But you must be intentional about being present because if you’re not, you miss it.
Will you stay connected to Warren Village after rolling off the board?
Absolutely. That doesn’t change at all.
I’ll continue to support the organization as a personal donor, advocate for them through Huntington Bank, and hopefully stay engaged with volunteer opportunities.
I love Warren Village and what they stand for. Rolling off the board just shifts how I contribute—it doesn’t lessen my commitment.
Interested in getting involved as a board member or volunteer? Visit here or email hwagner@warrenvillage.org!
