Marisa Bell

Risa, the Executive Director and Founder of Paddle for Peace, draws from her multicultural experiences in Guam and San Diego. Her journey as a foster child and breast cancer survivor fuels her commitment to creating healing experiences for underserved communities at the ocean. With over 13 years in the medical field, Risa has successfully managed private clinics and urgent care startups, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills. In her full-time role at Paddle for Peace, she specializes in diversity and cultural competency training, program development and innovative solutions. Risa is dedicated to growing the organization and championing diversity at the coast and within the nonprofit sector. An advocate for ocean conservation and environmental justice, she focuses on community empowerment and leadership development. In her leisure time, Risa enjoys surfing, traveling, and exploring new cultures, believing in the transformative power of outdoor play and the importance of fostering connections within the BIPOC community.