Our story.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs and activates MarMo Plaza — a community incubator in Galveston, Texas.
How MarMo started.
MarMo Innovation was founded to reimagine what a community space could do — not just where people work, but where they grow. In the heart of downtown Galveston, MarMo Plaza brings together entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofits, youth, and community builders under one roof.
We believe Galveston is stronger when its people have the space, tools, and connections to build what they imagine. That's what MarMo is here for — to keep those doors open for everyone.
MarMo Innovation exists to strengthen Galveston by providing affordable space, meaningful programs, and real opportunities for the entrepreneurs, creatives, nonprofits, youth, and community builders who shape our island.
Three principles.
The convictions that shape every program, event, and door we open.
Affordable space, tools, and mentorship put more people within reach of building what they imagine.
When people work alongside each other, ideas connect, businesses grow, and neighborhoods become homes.
Every meaningful business, program, or movement started as someone testing an idea. MarMo is a place to try.
Meet the MarMo team.
The staff running MarMo Plaza day-to-day — programs, community, operations, and everything in between.
MarMo's board of directors.
The volunteer leaders who guide MarMo's mission, governance, and long-term vision.
As Executive Director of Happy Town Community, Dave works with a wide range of nonprofits across arts, music, social services, and health in Galveston.
Duncan has 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur in the learning software, investment, and entertainment industries. He currently serves as Director of RISC Inc. and Secretary for the GIFT Galveston Board, and is a frequent volunteer for other Galveston-based nonprofits. Duncan is an active member of the IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee and regularly presents at industry events.
Executive Director of ARTS Downtown GTX, Sarah is a passionate arts advocate and community builder dedicated to strengthening Galveston's Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District.
Originally from Dearborn, Michigan, Marilyn brings decades of professional experience in banking, accounting, and the oil and gas industry.
Founder of CTRL+CREATE, a youth nonprofit focused on art, activism, and creative expression. Since 2012, Cora has led youth-centered programs including workshops, mentorships, and community initiatives that empower young people as leaders and build inclusive communities.
Owner of Fitness On The Go in Galveston and Board President of the Sunshine Center since 2017, Laura brings a passion for community-building and mission-driven service. A Sr. Team Lead Business Analyst with 40+ years at American National Insurance Company, she partners with local nonprofits — including ASFP, Turtle Island Restoration Network, and Groundswell/Farmer's Market — to raise funds and awareness through her fitness community.
Board alumni.
We recognize and thank the past board members whose vision, service, and leadership helped shape MarMo Innovation.
Director of the Galveston County SBDC, Amy brings nearly 20 years of small business ownership, advising, and operations experience. She led the 2024 AI initiative for her SBDC network and is an active community leader and speaker on small business topics.
Director & Head of Instruction at Zinta Inspired Language. Vendla has developed an innovative instructional model that breaks down cultural barriers and fosters genuine communication across cultures. A Master Teacher with 30+ language workbooks across five languages, she has presented for the Department of Defense, Department of Aging, and National Association of School Nurses, and delivered 150+ industry-specific seminars nationwide. Founded Zinta Inspired Language in 2000.
Jimmy is a serial entrepreneur with business experience in fintech, crypto development and trading, and digital content utility. His strengths are in IT application and implementation, business operations and finance, and business development. He started his career as an IT consultant, then moved on to create a real estate investment company, and currently concentrates on leveraging his IT knowledge and business development skills for new ventures of his own and as an angel investor.
Jimmy is founder of Divindi, the progenitor of Divi — an institutional investing platform — and Divindi Pay, a mobile payment platform that accepts 150+ tokens over 35+ networks, both P2P and B2C. He is also the Director of Trading Tech and a senior partner at Event Horizon Capital.
Jimmy is founder of MarMo Innovation, a nonprofit organization supporting local entrepreneurs in Galveston County through advisory, events, mixers, and the operation of a coworking space for small businesses. MarMo provides programming for both young and adult entrepreneurs.
Come see the plaza.
Drop in during open hours, book a tour, or reach out any way you like. We'd love to meet you.
2121 Market Street
Galveston, TX 77550
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Extended hours for events