We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marisa Carrodo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marisa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I recently heard a quote that said, “Be gentle with your parents—it’s their first time living too.” My parents, Lisa and Mike, divorced when I was young, and I know they both struggled and questioned whether they were doing the right thing. If I could go back, I’d tell them they were doing their best—that they’d end up best friends and raise a pretty amazing young woman (if I do say so myself).

My mom taught me the value of giving back and community. She was my Girl Scout leader, CCD teacher, and so much more. When I had to complete 120 community service hours to graduate, she was right there beside me for every single one. Even when we had little, she showed me we always had enough to share. Today, I’m grateful to continue that legacy with her through my own career.

My dad taught me respect and leadership. He showed me that the person holding the door deserves the same respect as the person who owns the building. I watched him take on new roles later in life, always learning from the ground up. He refused to lead without understanding the work himself. Because of that, he still mentors people from jobs he left years ago. He taught me that true leadership means standing beside your team, encouraging, holding accountable, and self reflecting.

My parents don’t hear this enough—but thank you. These are just two of the countless things you did right. ❤️

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I entered the nonprofit world full time two years ago, but my passion for it began about 15 years ago. It started with high school service hours, volunteering for the American Cancer Society in college, and later with the American Heart Association—where I served on the Board for two years and now work full time as the Development Director for the Eastern PA Heart Walks.

I once heard someone say, “Don’t hog your journey—it’s meant to help others.” My journey began when my dad had a massive heart attack 15 years ago. I was just 15, home alone with him, and panicked—It took me 5+ mins to call my mom, but not 911. That day, I watched my dad code. Stories like that rarely end well, but by grace, his did. Now, I use that experience to help build a Nation of Lifesavers—the American Heart Association’s mission to train at least one person in every household in hands-only CPR. Immediate CPR can triple someone’s chance of survival. Cardiac arrest knows no boundaries. It happens at home, at school, on the field – 70% of cardiac events happen outside of a hospital. The question is, would you be ready? Because I wasn’t.

This isn’t just a job—it’s my dream job. I get to raise life-saving funds that helped people like my dad, drive research that gives kids like Aiden, Konnor, and Ryder a future, and support families like Roslyn’s so they have the chance to share more special moments with their loved ones.

Eastern PA is home. Our heart families deserve community, a safe space to be seen and supported, and a platform to share their stories—and I’m honored to help create those spaces every day. ❤️

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I show up as my genuine self—hardworking, passionate, and driven to leave the world better than I found it. I love my people deeply, listen openly, and make space for every voice to be heard. That authenticity builds trust and allows relationships, both personal and professional, to start from a place of honesty and respect.

My love for community and purpose guides everything I do. Every connection and project I take on is rooted in creating a world of longer, healthier lives within my Eastern PA community.

Networking is important, but reputation starts long before shaking hands and the introductions. The people who’ve seen my work, my growth, and my consistency are the ones who help carry that reputation forward. It’s the effort put in behind the scenes and self-reflection that gives it true value.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A few years ago, I had to completely pivot my career — and in hindsight, it was the best decision I ever made. At the time, I had leaders who told me, “You’ll never grow further.” I started to believe them. I lost my sense of self and worth. But I was comfortable — and comfort can be dangerous.

Eventually, I had to ask myself: Was I willing to stay in a space I’d outgrown? To follow leaders without vision? To keep dimming my own light just to fit in? The answer was no. So, I chose me.

Choosing myself changed everything. It restored my confidence, reignited my fire, and led me to my dream job — surrounded by strong, inspiring women who lift each other to the finish line. I found my place. I found my voice.

And the growth I was told would never happen? It’s been unstoppable. I’ve helped build a Nation of Lifesavers through the American Heart Association. I graduated from the Latino Leadership Course through McKinsey, will soon complete the Women2Women program through the Women’s Business Council, and recently received the 2025 Youth Impact Award at Sneaker Ball, hosted by the Young Professionals Council and the African American Business Leaders Council.

Pivoting was terrifying — but I did it scared. And I’m so glad I did.

Let this be your reminder: Always choose yourself. Never let anyone steal your worth. And when they doubt you — show them exactly what you’re made of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heart.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisacarrodo/#
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisanataliacarrodo