Marcus Little is a southern California native who has called West Michigan home along with his family (wife Kelsey, children Calvin, Eva and Joey, and overly entitled dog Patrice) since 2014. He spent his teen years living in Romania with his parents and brother where they engaged in economic development work. The experience of living cross-culturally was eye-opening and has informed his approach to the world ever since.

In 2003, Marcus received his Bachelor’s in History from Cal Poly Pomona and spent the next 10 years as a 6th-8th grade classroom teacher. In 2010 he completed a Master’s of Arts in Theology from Biola University and eventually accepted an invitation to pastor a local church in Grand Rapids that occasioned their family’s move there.

While pastoring over eight years in GR, he made deep connections throughout the city with other faith and community leaders seeking to promote the flourishing of all its people. He felt strongly invested in that aspect of his work as a pastor, particularly during the pandemic, which highlighted so many disparities and needs within our society. He began to contemplate a change and was delighted to join the team at the Literacy Center of West Michigan in June of 2022, where he now serves as the Senior Director of Programs. While both of his previous vocations were immensely rewarding, his work with the Literacy Center has been by far the most fulfilling work he has ever done.