Hello, I’m Rita. I’m new in town.

For the last 10 years, I have worn several hats in nonprofits, ranging from development/fundraising work to operations roles to administrative support, not to mention spirited volunteer. Working in the arts, I volunteered in mental health, DEI, and other sectors to round out my experience.

I am delighted to bring what I’ve learned in these spaces to support The Spark Mill team as they continue to grow and steward organizations taking on the big stuff.

1.     I’m shiny new to Richmond as of March by way of Hampton Roads.

2.     My last name, Utz, is pronounced like Joe Pesci says “youths” in My Cousin Vinny. Click here to hear it.

3.     Once upon a time, I majored in Latin and minored in Art History.

4.     I keep a list titled “If I Could Own Any Art.” It currently has 21 artists on it, all women, and all but one living and creating work today.

5.     I love the rain.

6.     ALL OF THE VOLUNTEERING!

7.     “Vintage style, not vintage values.” Also, #thriftsohard.

8.     I’m a middle child bookended by amazing sisters.

9.     I’m named after my mom, who’s named after her mom, who was named after her aunt, who was named for an image of St. Rita, patron saint of impossible causes, hanging in the room where she was born in 1916.

10.  I share a birthday with RBG!

11.  I lean into the hard questions and the hard topics. As such, my sister calls my bookshelf the saddest place on earth.

12.  I love all animals but am particularly fond of my 2 cats, even the mean one.

13.  With the exception of occasional fish, I stopped eating meat 7 years ago…? Somewhere in there.

14.  I still think bugs are cool.

15.  I think we’ve let Outkast down by not making the word “sophistafunk” more of a thing.

16.  I’m the friend you can call. It doesn’t matter when or why.

17.  The Naro Expanded Cinema has long been my favorite place on earth, but the Byrd is starting to win me over.

18.  So much to learn always, but I’m definitely a cinephile because of my Dad’s influence.

19.  I’m a sucker for a blind box.

20.  I want to make it to all of the Virginia State Parks over the next year or so.