Redefining Her Path with Purpose and Power
Based on our interview of Marisa Nieves
When Marisa Nieves joined the NEIII Fellowship, she wasn’t entirely sure where her career would take her next. “I didn’t realize how lost I felt in the career transition journey,” she reflects. But she soon realized how she is powerful enough to take the next leap.
With a background rooted in community and a strong desire to make meaningful change, Marisa came into the program thinking her only route into impact was through traditional finance pathways—studying for a CFA, applying for internships, and eventually securing a role as an analyst. But through NEIII, her understanding of what impact can look like—and where it can live—was transformed.
“I wanted to reach out before we wrap up the 2024 Fellowship and express my sincerest gratitude for all that you have done for us fellows. I didn’t realize how lost I felt in the career transition journey until I reflected on how powerful I feel in myself to take the next leap. I feel secure in my options and even more confident in my ability to carry a conversation and speak about the diverse and intersectional complexities of not only impact investing but impact generally speaking. ”
“Today, I see that Impact and Impact Investing isn’t just a job title or a sector. It’s something within me that I carry into any role or company I work with.”
Since completing the Fellowship, Marisa has been actively shaping her future in bold, intentional ways. She’s currently working with Net Impact Boston as part of their revamped Career Mentorship Program and is deeply engaged in building community across the Boston impact ecosystem. Her career goal: to serve as an Investor Relations Associate or Director at a VC firm.
But she’s not waiting for the perfect job to find her—she’s creating it. Tapping into her lifelong love of fashion, Marisa pitched a sustainability and investor relations-focused role to a local fashion house. The executive director was thrilled. Now, Marisa is working with her to define the scope of the position, which could become either a part-time or an independent contractor role.
“I couldn’t have done this without the amazing workshops, conversations, and thought-provoking questions you crafted for our cohort,” she says. “This program gave me the language, confidence, and clarity I needed.”
Marisa’s journey is a testament to what happens when impact is seen not just as a destination, but as a mindset, and when emerging leaders are given the tools to step fully into their purpose.
“I couldn’t have done this without the amazing workshops, conversations, and thought provoking questions you crafted for our cohort. ”
Professional Profile – Marisa Nieves
Strategic partnerships and external relations leader with 10+ years of experience driving growth at the intersection of community development, programs + partnerships, equity, and inclusive innovation. Proven success in negotiating high-value partnerships and relationships from prospect to contract and continued stakeholder engagement. A key eye for strategic relationships and building individualized customer success systems that center sustainability, equity, and long-term value for diverse stakeholders. Adept at aligning mission-driven programming with financial goals, managing complex partner ecosystems, and leading collaborative cross-sector initiatives. Recognized as Community Builder of the Year by Startup Boston for championing underrepresented founders and curating high-impact ecosystems.
Marisa leverages stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and integrating ESG principles into business strategies to support companies' sustainability and scalability. Passionate about leveraging capital for systemic change, I bring a collaborative approach to achieving mission-driven outcomes.