Marissa Jacobs.

noun

1. a fierce, dynamic, and multifaceted woman- emulating all dimensions of Black excellence… speaker, advocate, mother, writer, therapist, and entrepreneur.

Marissa has exemplified exponential success at instilling dimensions of integrity, survivorship, and hope into the individuals that she has crossed paths with on her journey. Serving as a powerhouse of an entrepreneur, in addition to her contributions with the Pediatric Experience Collaborative: Race + Ethnicity, New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Association to Benefit Children, the NYC Department of Education, New York Foundling, and Court Appointed Special Advocates of NYC, Marissa is passionate about advancing DEI initiatives and driving strategic planning to foster inclusive and equitable corporate environments, the intersectionality of DEI and mental health, advocacy, education, the practice of starting over, and her faith.

“I plan to leave earth empty- with no dreams inside. I am going to give it EVERYTHING that I’ve got.”

Navigating the world of medical advocacy through her daughter's battle with childhood cancer and a whirlwind of unexpected life-events, Marissa was able to exercise resilience and grace. A passion began to understand how cultural nuances were key to creating inclusive patient care initiatives. By addressing stigma and offering culturally competent care, we can ensure that diverse communities feel seen, heard, and supported.

Simultaneously pursuing a double Masters in Child Advocacy & Policy and Clinical Social Work, she built upon her innate strengths while continuing to pursue a life immersed in joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

She is a strategist and advocate specializing in client experience, policy innovation, and organizational development, with a focus on fostering people-centered solutions that drive meaningful impact. With over a decade of experience across industries, Marissa brings a dynamic blend of strategic execution, program development, and cross-functional collaboration to every initiative she leads.

Her professional journey has uniquely positioned her at the intersection of mental health, policy, and workforce strategy, allowing me to bridge gaps, build inclusive frameworks, and drive forward-thinking solutions. Marissa has developed organizational frameworks, conducted equity-driven data analysis, and facilitated national summits to share best practices across institutions. Her work has centered on identifying systemic barriers, empowering underserved communities, and aligning business goals with sustainable impact.

In clinical and advocacy settings, Marissa has worked with diverse populations to provide trauma-informed care, develop actionable policies, and collaborate with stakeholders to implement people-first initiatives. Her experiences includes partnering with executive administrators, clients, and business leaders to co-create strategies that prioritize equity, well-being, and long-term success.

Through roles in strategy, policy, and mental health, Marissa has honed her ability to engage cross-functional teams, influence organizational culture, and drive systemic change. Marissa is passionate about aligning organizational priorities with practices that enhance client engagement, employee experiences, and community well-being.

Outside of work, Marissa is an advocate for empowerment and representation. In 2019, Marissa co-authored a children’s book inspired by her daughter, Aryn, a pediatric cancer survivor, which highlights themes of resilience, self-esteem, and diversity. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, creating content, listening to audiobooks, and building meaningful connections.