Reamershall’s narrative is about resilience, vision, and commitment to causes larger than oneself.

She was born to foster parents and adopted at the age of two, early on experiencing the transformative power of a lasting family. This foundation not only directed her life but also inspired her mission.

Through her Children’s Leadership To Love Foundation and its Growth Program, Marshall has turned that inspiration into a source of hope for over 300,000 foster kids. “My family is my greatest achievement,” she expressed.

Marshall added, “I take pride in creating and nurturing what my children cherish. What began as a personal calling has evolved into an organization impacting the lives of more than 30,000 children in foster care. From reshaping the system to constructing a home for aging girls, developing workforce initiatives, and establishing a mental wellness center focused on trauma treatment—it’s about life being transformed for good.”

A career shaped by voice and vision

Marshall’s professional career kicked off in TV news, where she spent two decades and secured three Emmy Awards. As an anchor, she highlighted needy children through her “eternal family” segment.

This weekly feature successfully connected over 200 children with permanent homes.

However, Marshall always felt her voice was meant for something beyond just the newsroom.

“As a foster child, I aimed to use my voice for change, but I believe there was a larger plan,” she reflected.

In 2004, she stepped away from television to establish a nonprofit organization aimed at finding families for foster children and addressing urgent needs.

Build the program you want

Her vision took off rapidly. In 2015, she left the anchor desk to establish a love center for children in Huntsville. The following year, she initiated KTECH, a workforce training program equipping foster parents with skills in mechatronics, robotics, and soldering, along with veterans and underserved community members. “Our mission isn’t solely about short-term relief; we’re focused on building enduring solutions that create pathways for education, housing, treatment, and stability,” Marshall clarified. “Investing in these kids means not just changing their futures, but also shaping the future of our entire state.”

Understanding that many children may never find adoptive families, Marshall opened Davidson Farm in 2017. This expansive residence is designed on faith, hope, and love principles. Recently, the foundation has expanded its reach with a mental wellness center focused on trauma therapy to help children heal.

Fixed in faith and resilience

Marshall’s leadership has led to nominations as one of the “500 most influential CEOs in the world” and has garnered national and international acknowledgment, including a Congressional honor as the “Angel of Adoption.” Yet, her work is deeply rooted in faith rather than titles. “It’s a journey of faith, grit, and unwavering commitment to a vision that surpasses myself,” she stated.

Additionally, she has pursued education to advance her mission. Alongside a bachelor’s degree in communications from Murray State University, Marshall obtained a master’s in social work and became a trauma therapist. This combination of personal insight, professional training, and media skills allows her to lead with both compassion and strategy.

Inspired by a strong woman

Marshall readily recognizes the woman who guided her path. “I’m fortunate to have women in my life that embody strength and resilience,” she said. “The late Dr. Dorothy Davidson was a mentor. My daughters, Ella and Emma, inspire me daily—they remind me that my work isn’t just for foster children but for future generations. I’m continually encouraged by the women I meet through this job. Foster parents, supporters, and leaders stepping in to make a difference where it’s needed most.”

Her reflections capture the spirit she hopes to instill in her children: lasting impact comes from a community of leaders ready to fill the gaps.

Leadership defined by courage and compassion

When asked about the traits of effective leaders, Marshall’s response is both simple and deep.

“I believe great leaders possess vision and courage—the ability to see what others may not and the willingness to take risks to realize that vision. Compassion is equally essential. Leadership is about people, not positions, and, ultimately, resilience.”

Her career exemplifies that philosophy.

Time and again, she’s opted for the more challenging route. Instead of resting on her successful television career, she chose to launch nonprofits, constructing programs from the ground up, where quick fixes would be far more convenient.

A wider voice for advocacy

Marshall is also a respected speaker, a talented singer-songwriter with two albums and performances globally. She tackles social issues, urging lawmakers towards stronger action, including school safety.

Whether on stage, in song, or at the Capitol, Marshall’s core message remains consistent: every child deserves an opportunity to be seen, heard, and to thrive.

Why she’s a shocking woman

Lee Marshall’s life and work encapsulate enduring influence. From her beginnings in foster care to decades of advocacy, she’s turned personal struggles into a lasting mission of hope.

Through her love for her children, she’s not only affected individual lives but also reshaped systems, enabling children to access families, education, housing, treatment, and opportunities.

She leads with courage, faith, and resilience, driven by profound compassion for the often-overlooked.

Her journey illustrates how a single vision, grounded in lived experiences and sustained by determination, can ignite movements that change lives. Because of her unwavering commitment to Alabama’s vulnerable children and her example of servant leadership, Lee Marshall is rightly acknowledged as a remarkable woman in Yellow Hammer News.