Marissa De La Mora
Raised on the South Side of Chicago, she is a first-generation immigrant shaped by resilience long before she had words for it. Her family arrived carrying hope in every sacrifice, guided by the belief that persistence could create opportunity. From an early age, she learned to navigate between cultures and expectations, developing both strength and attentiveness. The South Side instilled in her a balance of grit and grace.
Today, she continues to navigate Chicago as a mother of two. Motherhood has reframed the city and her place within it. Chicago feels larger now, with higher stakes, yet more intimate as familiar streets fill with shared memories.
For her, community has taken shape in everyday moments: playdates that become friendships, brief conversations at school drop-off that evolve into support systems, and the decision to reach outward rather than retreat. While immigrant women are frequently praised for endurance, she has come to understand that it is connection—not self-sufficiency—that sustains.
Chicago has shown her that community is layered and deeply local. It lives in the corner store where names are remembered, in parks where children learn empathy, and in networks of women who uplift one another without ceremony. She has found strength in relationships with women who share her background and with those whose experiences differ, all navigating their own versions of becoming. Motherhood has also reshaped her understanding of influence. Influence, she believes, is not measured by titles or visibility, but by daily choices—showing up with integrity, modeling compassion, and creating spaces where others can thrive.
• International Academy of Design and Technology-Chicago - BDes
• Rising Star Award 2024
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a creative problem solver and approaching challenges with confidence and clarity. I embrace difficult conversations and confrontations when necessary, seeing them as opportunities to foster growth, find solutions, and drive positive outcomes. This mindset allows me to navigate complex situations effectively while maintaining professionalism and delivering results.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple yet powerful: keep going. No matter the obstacles, setbacks, or uncertainties, persistence and resilience are what ultimately lead to growth and success. Staying committed, even when progress feels slow, allows you to learn, adapt, and move steadily toward your goals.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to consistently stay informed about the products and services in their field. Deep product knowledge builds confidence, credibility, and the ability to make informed decisions, while also enabling you to provide exceptional value to clients and colleagues. Staying curious, proactive, and up-to-date positions you for growth, influence, and long-term success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is miscommunication. In fast-paced and complex environments, unclear or incomplete communication can lead to misunderstandings, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities. At the same time, this challenge presents a significant opportunity: by fostering clear, transparent, and proactive communication, professionals can build stronger teams, improve collaboration, and drive better results for clients and organizations.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty and communication. Being honest builds trust and credibility, while open and clear communication ensures understanding, strengthens relationships, and fosters collaboration. Together, these values guide my decisions, interactions, and approach to challenges, creating a foundation for integrity and meaningful connections.
Locations
Chicago, IL 60651