About Marisa

Marisa’s Story

Marisa’s story began long before she ever held a microphone or published a sentence. She was born 14 weeks premature, weighing 1 pound, 13 ounces, and spent 145 days in the NICU. Before she was six months old, she survived multiple code blues, two life-threatening infections, and three major eye surgeries.

Because of Retinopathy of Prematurity, a complication of her premature birth, Marisa has limited vision in her left eye and is completely blind in her right eye.

Growing up, Marisa participated in dance, gymnastics, track, swim, choir, and marching band. She learned to read and write in both print and Braille and became a five-time first-place winner at the West Florida Braille Challenge. These experiences taught her that doing something differently did not mean it was out of reach.

Faith Journey

Marisa’s relationship with Jesus is at the center of her life. Through Scripture, prayer, and seasons that required her to trust God one day at a time, she has learned that her identity is found in Christ, not in her visual impairment.

During her senior year of high school, Marisa served as Chaplain of the 2A state champion Royal Ambassador Marching Band. This experience strengthened her love for ministry and for encouraging others in their walk with Christ.

Education and Recognition

In December 2025, Marisa earned a Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from the University of Florida. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Communication from Southeastern University.

Her studies strengthened the communication skills she brings to her writing and speaking. Her faith continues to grow through church life, mentorship, and time in God’s Word, shaping the way she handles Scripture and encourages others.

In 2019, Marisa received the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award from the Florida Holocaust Museum in recognition of her compassion and service to others.

Writing and Speaking

Today, Marisa is a writer and speaker who writes about faith, identity, disability, and trusting God through real life. Her writing has appeared on LiveOriginal.com and TheRebelution.com.

She has shared her story and testimony at schools, churches, and nonprofit events. Whether she is speaking about life with vision loss or sharing what God has taught her through adversity, she wants people to leave knowing that pain and limitation do not have the final word.

Heart Behind the Content

Marisa creates faith-filled content for people who need honest encouragement and truth they can hold onto. She knows what it is like to face uncertainty, feel limited, and need God’s Word to become louder than fear.

Whether she is writing, speaking, sharing music, or telling her story, Marisa’s heart is to point people toward Jesus and remind them that their identity and purpose are secure in Him.

Outside of writing and speaking, Marisa enjoys making tea time a little more fun with colorful themes and simple decorations. It is one of her favorite ways to slow down, whether she is spending the afternoon alone or sharing it with a friend.

Connect with Marisa

Explore Marisa’s speaking ministry, podcast conversations, speaking videos, music, and Bible study resources.