As a native New Mexican, Marisa has been working in the nonprofit sector for over 18 years, establishing her career at the National Institute of Flamenco, and starting at the Foundation in 2019 as Advancement Manager. During her time at the Foundation, Marisa has led and managed the largest federal government contract the Foundation has seen in 42 years, led the development of the Foundation’s first strategic plan in 15 years, along with the update of the organization’s mission, vision and values, and increased work in diversity, equity and inclusion of the overall organization.

In July 2023, Marisa was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Marisa is the first woman of color in executive leadership at Albuquerque Community Foundation, and the first person to hold the title of COO and responsibilities, in the history of the organization.

Marisa holds an MBA with a focus in Policy and Planning from the University of New Mexico. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, hot yoga, and spending time with her three dogs.

• Red or green?  The question all New Mexicans must one day face….Red!
• Mountain or River? Mountains with a river!
• Comedy Club or Dance Club? Dance club.
• Hometown: Mesquite, NM
• High School Mascot: Panthers
• If you could have lunch with anyone alive or dead, who would it be? Bette Midler
• If you didn’t work for the Foundation, where would you work?   Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre or a ranch in northern New Mexico.
• Name three songs you would include on your soundtrack of life:  Into the Mystic by Van Morrison, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder, and Mr. Jones by Counting Crows.
• What’s your favorite time of the year in New Mexico? Summer melting into Fall.
• What is a skill you’d like to learn? How to train horses.
• If you could witness any event of the past, present or future, what would it be? Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro’s last ride at the London International Horse Show.