A Problem Solver Rising Against the Odds
Alum Spotlight: Marjorie Merisier
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” – Khalil Gibran
Marjorie Merisier’s journey is defined by resilience, curiosity, and the determination to solve problems, no matter how complex. With two Northeastern University degrees under her belt and a trail of accomplishments in healthcare management, the Lowell Institute School alum and dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada has carved a path that is a testament to the power of education and tenacity.
From Montreal to Mattapan: A Journey of Resilience
Born in Montreal to Haitian parents, Merisier moved to Boston at the age of 11. Her family sought a better life, but the transition was far from smooth. Despite being academically advanced, she faced challenges adapting to the English language and American cultural norms. At the Solomon Lewenberg Middle School in Mattapan, she endured daily bullying. “I was born with congenital cataracts, and kids were relentless” she recalled.
Nevertheless, her academic prowess shone through. She graduated from high school and earned a full scholarship to UMass Boston. However, the transition to college proved overwhelming. “After about a year and a half, I failed miserably because I couldn’t keep up,” she admitted.
Years later, a segment on the Oprah Winfrey Show deeply resonated with Merisier. The Waiting for Superman discussion shed light on how schools in underserved communities often left bright students ill-prepared for the demands of college. Reflecting on her own experience, she said, “That’s exactly what happened to me. I was not ready for that biology class in the big auditorium. I didn’t have the skills.”
After losing her scholarship, Merisier pivoted to healthcare, beginning as a dental assistant and later working in the Carney Hospital emergency department. Over the years, she uncovered her natural aptitude for administration and project management, skills that would define her career path. During this time, she held numerous roles across the healthcare industry, mainly in institutions along Longwood Avenue, Boston’s healthcare corridor, and within many of Boston’s major hospitals. This extensive experience gave her an expert-level understanding of the business side of healthcare—how hospitals operate, thrive, and at times, fail to meet patient and employee needs. These insights would shape her professional journey and contribute to her eventual success in navigating the complex system.
Discovering the Power of Education
In 2012, her desire to be promoted to a more senior position at the Dana-Farber Institute, coupled with spotting an ad for Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies (CPS) encouraging bachelor’s degree completion aimed at working professionals, caused her to apply. Juggling full-time work and raising her son Khalil, named after poet Khalil Gibran, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Health Management program. Her determination was unshakable. “I didn’t remember how to do algebra, but I figured it out,” she says. “I showed up, worked hard, and got it done.”
Bachelor of Science in Health Management Program
Merisier began the program in 2013. The program is flexible, with evening classes available for working professionals. Merisier appreciated the hybrid option and enjoyed the practicality of online classes with the option of meeting people in person in on-campus classes. “The professors were top notch”, said Merisier. “What I liked about them was that they were professionals too, like me, who worked all day and chose to make time to be there in the classroom.”
Mentorship
During the practicum portion of her program, Merisier was introduced to Dr. Earlene Avalón, Director of the Lowell Institute School. The practicum allows students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, observing professionals, documenting their work, and performing supervised tasks. Merisier completed her practicum at Northeastern University’s Environmental Health department.
Reflecting on this experience, Merisier shared, “Dr. Avalón asked us what we had learned from the program. After class, she became my mentor. When I graduated, she invited me for coffee to learn more about me—something no one had done before. During our conversation, I expressed my desire to pursue a master’s degree. That’s when I learned about the Double Husky Scholarship.”
In 2017, Merisier graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health management as a distinguished Lowell Institute School scholar. Her degree led to a promotion at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she advanced from office manager to environmental compliance officer. Her new role leveraged her CPS education, particularly in project management and evidence-based research. “CPS changed my mindset,” she said. “It taught me how to address issues with credibility.”
By January 2018, just months after earning her bachelor’s degree, Merisier began a Master’s in Public Health at Northeastern’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences.
Facing Systemic Challenges
Even before advancing her career, Merisier faced microaggressions, systemic racism and biases in the workplace. As a Black woman, she observed how Black employees were often relegated to administrative roles with limited upward mobility. “I realized this was a pattern, and it had a profound effect on me,” she reflects. Determined to break barriers, she received her Master’s in Public Health from Northeastern in 2022. Merisier now serves as the inaugural Occupational Health and Safety Officer for the Boston Public Health Commission. Her role involves researching and resolving occupational health and safety issues, advocating for employees to get the services they require.
A Caregiver and Advocate
Merisier’s dedication to her pursuit of education extends beyond her career. As a single mother, she’s fought tirelessly for her son Khalil, advocating for his rights and education in a system often biased against Black children. “At six years old, his teacher threatened to call the police on him because they could not understand his behavior,” she recounts. Through legal advocacy and persistence, she ensured Khalil received the support he needed, including placement in a specialized school.
She envisions creating programs to support children with autism, inspired by her own experiences navigating the challenges of caregiving.
Looking Forward
Merisier shows no signs of slowing down. She’s expressed real interest in continuing her academic journey. “I want to continue advocating for people who can’t advocate for themselves,” she says.
For Merisier, each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. “There’s nothing I can’t do,” she says. “I’ve faced prejudice, personal struggles, and professional challenges, and I’ve come out stronger.”
Inspiration for Others
Merisier’s message to anyone doubting their potential is simple: “Education is an invaluable tool that can change your life, no matter your age or circumstances. Trying to figure things out isn’t just my job—it’s my passion.”
Marjorie Merisier is living proof that with grit, education, and the courage to challenge the status quo, it’s possible to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
