Meet the Leader
Marisol Marrero
Executive Director, StudentLink Centers
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I love music and have an eclectic taste influenced by my siblings (I am the youngest of 7) and my kids. I love R&B, Salsa, Sinatra, Bublé, Country, and even some Hip Hop.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: Not at this time, my sweet dog Ozzie (a beautiful Maltese) passed several years ago, and I have not gotten another pet.
Q: Do you have a favorite book/movie?
A: My favorite book is my favorite movie, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I saw the movie as a little girl; I think 5th grade, and it made an impression. I was so touched by it, and when I went to school, I told my teacher about it. My teacher told me the movie was based on a book. So I went immediately later that day to the library and took out the book. To this day, both the book and movie are still a favorite of mine.
Q: What has it been like working at a University compared to previous organizations?
A: Universities are often so large that it takes a while to get acclimated. However, NYU was very welcoming and allowed me to experience and grow in ways that working at a smaller college had not done so.
Q: Where did you work before NYU?
A: I had the privilege of working for the City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, for eight years as Director of Enrollment Services.
Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked as a cashier at the Hallmark Stationery Store in the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: I use this quote in my email signature; it is by the ever-wise Winnie the Pooh, "A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference."
Q: What is your favorite sport or team?
A: My favorite sport is baseball. I am a true believer, and I am a die-hard Mets fan.
Q: Are you part of any charities?
A: I support Catholic Charities of New York and donate my time to various projects at St. Mary's Church. Food pantry, coat drive, and assisting first-generation students and their families navigate the college admissions/financial aid process.
Q: If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?
A: French and Italian.
Q: If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would say to them?
A: My answer is deeply personal. My father died in Vietnam when I was four years old. I would love to meet him and get to know him, nothing more.
Q: What was your favorite or best subject in school?
A: History.
Q: What did you do with your first paycheck?
A: Actually, as a teenager, with my first paycheck, I opened up a savings account.