UP RVA’s story is one of growth — not just in size, but in purpose, structure, and impact. Toby Desch spent years building the foundation of the organization before handing off day-to-day leadership and, more recently, stepping fully into a board role.
In this Founder Spotlight, Toby shares his reflections on the early days, the evolution of the program, and the confidence he feels watching UP RVA continue to grow.
In the early days, what did you feel was most urgent for students and families?
Transportation was the biggest barrier in the early days — and the most immediate need for students and families. The second was helping students build the habit of homework completion — simply getting their work done consistently.
Looking back, what are you most proud of from those first few years?
How hard people worked. Paul, the drivers — everyone. The days were long, but people showed up and did whatever it took to make it work. The collaboration with AJC, the whole team — it was all so focused on kids being successful. Those were long days, but it paid off.
UP RVA has grown a lot over the last 10 years. What changes stand out to you most?
Student performance is number one. It’s pretty incredible to see how well our students are doing now — and how much happier they seem. That really moves me.
We’ve also grown a lot as an organization. We went from just me, Paul, and a board member handling finances to now having audits and real systems in place. We’ve always had the spirit of doing things the right way — now we’re doing them the right way.
But what hasn’t changed is the heart. We still have people who care deeply about our kids. Seeing the spotlight on Marchelle was really moving for me. We’ve grown and become more professional, but at our core, we still truly love our students.
What led you to the decision to hand off the Executive Director role?
I say it all the time: UP RVA needed an educator to lead other educators — and that was always going to lead to greater student success. I didn’t have an ego about running UP RVA.
When I was leading, my approach was more like, “I love you, work hard, make A’s and B’s.” Then Greg came in and said, “I love you, work hard, do these five things and you have a chance to make A’s and B’s — and if you’re not, here are three supports to help you get there.” That just wasn’t how I operated.
And the truth is, our students’ success is significantly higher now than it ever was under me — because there’s an educator at the helm. That’s what the organization needed.
What has it been like watching UP RVA continue to grow under new leadership?
It’s been one of the coolest things to watch. Seeing people really get behind the mission, and watching new leadership tell the story in such a powerful and authentic way — while still staying connected to people — has been incredible.
This year, for the first time, I really feel like just a board member. I’m still deeply invested in the outcome of the organization, but I don’t feel needed in the same way — and that’s a really good feeling.
What are you focused on now in this next chapter of your work?
I’m focused on the East End as a whole — on how we can invest in, empower, and develop one East End, one Church Hill, where people of all backgrounds can live, work, and be happy together.
How has your experience building UP RVA shaped how you approach this work now?
It’s all about relationships. Relationships are the foundation of any success I’ve had — or hope to have. Whether it’s community members, donors, or political leaders, if you can connect on a human level, there’s a real chance to do good things.
How does serving on the board allow you to support UP RVA differently today?
I can provide historical context — where we’ve been and how far we’ve come. I’m also able to focus on what I’m best at: operating at a high level, making connections, and pointing people in the right direction.
I don’t have to manage day-to-day anymore. And it feels like my skill set is being used in the best possible way for everyone involved.
What excites you most about the future of UP RVA?
The middle school work. It gives students an even greater chance at long-term success and allows the organization to grow in a way that feels sustainable and meaningful.
What matters most to you that UP RVA must always hold onto?
Student and family happiness — and the ability to see potential in places others might overlook.
I understand now that we can’t take just any student and place them in an independent school and expect it to work. But I hope it never becomes only about test scores. I hope it’s about finding the student who wants it — or maybe doesn’t even know they want it yet — but you can see something in them. And with the right support, you can unlock their unlimited potential.
-Toby Desch
