Employee Spotlight: Nicolette Marasa

Meet Association Manager Nicolette Marasa, joining the team with a strong background in association operations, event execution, and community growth. Beyond her impressive professional resume, Nicolette has also done some amazing volunteer work, including organizing and teaching a six-week financial literacy curriculum for detainees at the Cook County Jail.

Q: What drew you to Celtic Associations?

In a search for quality leadership in the Association space, Celtic revealed itself as an organization where innovation, collaboration, and purpose come together to create meaningful impact.

Q: What excites you the most about your new role?

This role allows me to build community. Not just with my Celtic Team, but across the many organizations we support.

Q: We heard you taught a six-week financial literacy curriculum for detainees at the Cook County Jail. What was that experience like for you as a teacher?

They were hands down the best students I ever had. What was designed to be a pretty dry curriculum (determined by the state) turned into lush conversations about real concerns that face the lives of folks with a record. I walked away learning how impactful compassion can be and in turn we were able to idealize programs to support formerly incarcerated peoples with resources.

Q: What motivated you to pursue the field of Association Management?

I am always guided by an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to creating positive social change. Association work is unique as it offers me the space to advance both objectives.

Q: Favorite Chicago food spot?

I have to pick just one? Goodness, we are so spoiled here. Virtue Restaurant in Hyde Park.

Q: Favorite travel destination, or place you have always wanted to visit someday?

Anywhere near the ocean or a lake. The happiest I ever am is searching for rocks or shells along the beach.

Q: Would you rather have an Oscar winning film, a New York Times Best Selling book, or a Billboard chart-topping song?

A Billboard chart-topping song. I love reading and watching films, but music will always stand above. Music is so universal that regardless of the language the lyrics are in, it will still elicit feelings that resonate deeply with listeners. 

Q: Favorite Chicago-specific activity to do on the weekends?

A weekend must is renting a karaoke room with friends in Chinatown and then going to Happy Lamb Hot Pot.