I’m Marissa, a Chicago-based writer, producer and digital storyteller. Enneagram: 3. Myers Briggs: ENFJ. Sun, moon and rising: gemini, gemini, leo (this is a judgement free space, right?).  

Now that we have that out of the way. 

My 9 to 5: I produce events for The 19th, a national independent nonprofit newsroom, and I’m our CEO’s executive coordinator. Whether for events, newsroom-wide campaigns or internal initiatives, I help connect the dots across teams — from big-picture planning and timelines down to the nitty-gritty of getting things done.

My 5 to 9: I’m a freelance event producer, copywriter, project manager and digital storyteller. I help organizations move from strategy and execution. And, I adapt to whatever the project needs of me (I’ll develop conference framing, draft the marketing plan, lead logistics, and pack thank you bags for speakers). 

My weekends: Typically at concerts, DJ sets and dance parties. Or hosting at home, developing my skills as a mezcal mixologist. Or scripting/producing videos about journalism, events and community. 

My credentials: I earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism at DePaul University in Chicago. Before joining The 19th, I produced for WTTW News’ nightly news program “Chicago Tonight.”

My scope: I’m open to short term and long term projects that lean into culture to create space for joy and connection — whether through events, video production or project rollouts.

Let’s work together!