Dear Community Members,

We are delighted to serve as the Co-Chairs for the 2025-2026 Marshalltown Area United Way Campaign. Over the years, our paths have crossed through various community events, and we are proud to share a deep commitment to fostering community engagement. Together, we have been involved in the My Marshalltown project, which has helped cultivate civic pride and create opportunities for growth. As our families grow, we want to ensure that Marshalltown remains a place where everyone can thrive. We are excited to collaborate on this campaign and are eager to see the possibilities this year holds!

Robert:
I grew up in Alta, Iowa, and double majored in journalism/mass communication and political science at the University of Iowa. I moved to Marshalltown in 2021 after living in Conrad for seven years. Shortly after arriving, I began dating my wife, Erinn, and we were married in November 2024. Our family will be growing later this year as we prepare to welcome our first child. I serve as the managing editor of the Times-Republican and sit on the boards of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, the Iowa Newspaper Association, and the local film company Bella Luna Productions. I’m also a part-time musician, both solo and with my band, Catfish Murphy. In my free time, I enjoy working out at the YMCA-YWCA, reading, following the Hawkeyes, and discovering new restaurants with my wife. 

Maria:
I’ve spent most of my life in Marshalltown, having moved here from Mexico when I was just five years old. Family means everything to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the constant support from my wonderful husband of 14 years, our two amazing children, aged 10 and 12, and our three dogs.
In my professional life, I work as a Community Organizer for Iowa MMJ and co-organize with Immigrant Allies of Marshalltown. Volunteering is one of my greatest passions, and I’ve been actively involved in several committees and organizations, including ACCESS, Power of the Purse, Diversity in Leadership, the My Marshalltown project, St. Francis festival, and the Cultural Festival. I am also an EGYM trainer at our Marshalltown YMCA and am currently training for a full marathon. My goal is to create a positive impact in my community while balancing my personal and professional aspirations.

Together, we share a deep love for Marshalltown and are passionate about seeing it thrive as a vibrant, welcoming community. The Marshalltown United Way has been instrumental in supporting local organizations that provide vital services. Your contributions to the United Way play a key role in sustaining these services and ultimately improving the quality of life for everyone in our community. With the support of our entire community, we can achieve this year’s ambitious goal of $900,000.

United We Are Leading the Way!

Robert Maharry & Maria Gonzalez-Alvarez