Recognized as 1 of 10 in nation as a 2016 Outstanding First – Year Advocate by the National Resource Center for her legacy and contribution to student advocacy and learning.
Caring Courageously
Marisel Herrera is as a high-impact educational leader, author, speaker, consultant and Certified Coach with 25 years of experience who equips and empowers diverse audiences with an arsenal of tangible tools and insights that empower their success. Whether coaching an individual student or employee, speaking at national conferences in often standing room only audiences, providing consulting to colleges and universities or as a thought-influencer, writing about her first generation journey and the need to “care courageously,” Marisel’s message affirms the power of education, faith, resiliency, culture, relationships and community to transform one’s life.
The founding director of an award-winning success coaching program at the largest public university in the nation, she has mentored and coached thousands of students, women, and professionals and trained countless others to do the same. Her unique combination of expertise in program design, coaching and retention of diverse students have enabled the success of several innovative initiatives throughout her extensive career.
Marisel has a graduate degree in Education and has received advanced leadership and coaching certifications from several prestigious institutions. She is the author of two books: A cultural memoir that she wrote during her first-generation graduate school journey and a coaching playbook for women.
A visionary leader and student advocate who catalyzes others to care courageously, she has received numerous awards.
From surviving to thriving, from dreaming to doing!
As an educator, Marisel also draws on her journey of grit and grace from the housing projects of New York City to the halls of academia. Her passionate belief in the power of education and caring relationships to transform lives is personal. She was that student who almost fell through the cracks. She has been there and done that.
Marisel understands what it is like to be a first-generation, urban, academically talented Latina college student who successfully rebounded:
Individual relationships that meaningfully engaged her were the difference-makers.
Relationships that regardless of their length or the person’s title- affirmed and equipped Marisel to believe she belonged at university, to overcome challenges, maximize opportunities, and to graduate.
You can do the same for students at your institution!