It’s that time of year. Leaves are changing. Temps are dropping. New faces are popping up around The Firesphere. That’s right. There’s a new apprentice in the house…and her name is Marissa.

I’m Marissa, an Orlando native recently transplanted to Travelers Rest, South Carolina.

I attended Clemson University, during which I lived in Italy for six months and later again the following year. It was beautiful, charming, and is still my favorite place I’ve set foot in. I transitioned to my sunny hometown to then embark on a yearlong mission in London. I was involved with a non-profit called Kahaila, a specialty coffee shop, church, and a platform for other non-profits to evolve. I worked closely with one of Kahaila’s non-profits called Luminary Bakery, a social enterprise using the trade of baking as an alternative means of income for women coming out of human- trafficking. I juggled an array of tasks like baking and delivering an assortment of our sweets, managed our daily social media, and directed our crowdfunding campaign.

Finishing my year in London, I returned to Orlando and was grappling with where I wanted to root and what type of work I wanted to be involved in. With a close community of mine residing in Greenville, I considered the option of moving, and began doing some research of opportunities in the area. I recalled hearing about Brains On Fire during my years at Clemson, and saw the apprenticeship position open.  The predominant connection I had with BOF was their desire to seek potential in people and draw that out in a thoughtful way, empowering brands to make the place around us better. I love the creative process of sharing a story yet untold.

I’m excited to work with a team that really promotes this empathetic form of storytelling. Everyone at BOF cares and shares the vision of quality and innovative thinking. I’d love to grow more knowledgeable in the holistic process of empowering people with their potential.

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