Marlon Fisher
Devoted Father and Dad Guild's Development Director
Marlon Fisher is a devoted father, community leader, and advocate for strong family and parental support systems. Marlon’s journey reflects the power of opportunity, mentorship, and perseverance. After moving to Vermont in 2013, he became deeply engaged in community work rooted in connection and healing. As the primary caregiver for his first son, Marlon experienced firsthand both the challenges and the transformative power of parenthood. This experience led him to co-found Dad Guild, a Vermont-based organization dedicated to fostering connection, resilience, and belonging among fathers, families, and children. Through his work, Marlon continues to uplift stories of growth, identity, and community care across Vermont..
Interview Summary
Transformative Journey: From Brooklyn Streets to Community Leadership
Local Advocate Marlon Fisher Redefines Personal Potential
In a powerful narrative of resilience and purpose, Marlon Fisher emerged from Brooklyn's challenging urban landscape to become a beacon of hope and systemic transformation, challenging traditional narratives of limitation and opportunity.
Born to a teenage single mother in an environment fraught with economic and social challenges, Fisher's journey represents a remarkable testament to strategic intervention and personal determination. A groundbreaking scholarship program became the catalyst, identifying his potential in first grade and providing a comprehensive support system that would dramatically alter his life's trajectory.
"When communities provide access, everyone thrives," Fisher explains, reflecting on the scholarship that connected him to critical mentorship, educational opportunities, and professional networks. His path traversed diverse environments - from Wall Street internships to military service - where he developed a nuanced understanding of identity, resilience, and systemic navigation.
Fatherhood marked a profound personal transformation. "Becoming a father helped me refocus on my identity as a black man," Fisher shares, emphasizing the critical importance of intentional parenting and cultural preservation. His two sons represent more than a personal legacy; they embody a broader vision of community-oriented, compassionate masculinity.
Currently serving as Development Director for Dad Guild and participating in multiple community boards, Fisher has strategically transformed his personal experiences into a comprehensive approach to youth support. His guiding philosophy centers on "basic kindness" - a holistic perspective that views individual growth as fundamentally interconnected with collective advancement.
Central to Fisher's approach is a belief in continuous learning and challenging personal boundaries. "There's no growth in comfort," he asserts, offering a provocative framework for personal and societal transformation.
Fisher's narrative transcends individual achievement, presenting a compelling model of how targeted intervention, consistent support, and intentional community building can systematically address generational challenges. His journey illustrates a profound truth: opportunity is not a random occurrence, but a strategic intervention capable of redesigning social mobility infrastructure.
As communities nationwide confront complex systemic inequalities, Fisher's story provides a blueprint of hope - demonstrating that with appropriate support, individuals can not only overcome challenges but become powerful catalysts for broader social change.
In Fisher's worldview, personal transformation and collective advancement are not separate pursuits, but deeply interconnected pathways toward a more just and vibrant society.