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.

Amongst a plethora of personal and professional accolades, co-authoring a children’s book with her daughter, Aryn, is one of Marissa’s proudest accomplishments. The 50- page labor of love, titled Beads and Braids, was written to showcase representation, diversity, equity, and storytelling…most importantly to raise awareness about the often untold stories of pediatric oncology from the African American perspective. This story highlights Aryn’s journey with cancer as a Black girl and describes how she was able to surpass the definition of beauty in spite of her circumstance or the perception of others. In addition to the release of Beads and Braids, Marissa introspectively penned her own self-discovery book, titled The Survivor’s Guide Series- 108 Declarations, which was birthed from her desire to be a source of light to others, driving home that no one needs to walk through darkness alone.

“Survivorship is not just an illness or heartbreak and if I can use my own story to help others navigate their own path, it was all worth it.”