Marissa Escajeda
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Marissa joined Strong Women Strong Girls, now Girls Inc of Greater Pittsburgh, in 2019 as a Volunteer and Donor Engagement Manager. She was quickly promoted to Director of Development after helping the organization secure vital revenue through the difficult pandemic years. In June 2023, Marissa began leading the Pittsburgh office as the Managing Director. She then took over SWSG as CEO in 2024. Along with the board chair, Marissa led the acquisition and merger with Girls Inc. She now leads the new Girls Inc. of Greater Pittsburgh.
Before coming to the organization, Marissa received her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public and Nonprofit Management from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh, where she was the sole recipient of the merit-based Alumni Scholarship. Prior to her second masters, Marissa worked as a Victim Response Advocate for Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR). At PAAR, her largest role was to cultivate and build relationships with systems to develop a coordinated response for survivors of sexual assault. Her professional, academic, and personal interests have led her to a field that values equity through human services. She has worked in local government and spent two years working with Allegheny County’s councilmen and women on issues facing our region. Marissa also has experience in philanthropy and spent time working on community engagement projects for the Forbes Funds. She is passionate about engaging with the Pittsburgh community, working on collaborations, and building relationships.
Marissa also received her Master of Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs with a concentration in Gender and Human Rights from American University in Washington, D.C in 2013. There, she worked with Vital Voices Global Partnership, developing programs for the African Businesswomen’s Network. Marissa graduated from Duquesne University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. When she is not working, Marissa enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
