Ambassador for Peace Spotlight: Chaplain Marisa Estrella
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Marisa Estrella’s life has been shaped by a profound commitment to service, discipline, and compassion. At just 24 years old, she enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably through two tours of duty as a Chaplain Assistant. That formative experience instilled in her the values of readiness, precision, and selfless care for others—principles that would become the foundation of her lifelong work in community and veteran advocacy.
Following her military service, Ms. Estrella pursued higher education with determination and breadth, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Mercy College, a Paralegal Certificate from the New York Paralegal School, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Monroe College in the Bronx. Alongside more than two decades of customer service experience, she has consistently demonstrated integrity, diligence, and a collaborative spirit. Whether in professional roles or volunteer settings, her compassionate nature and ability to connect across cultures—supported by her fluency in both English and Spanish—have made her a trusted presence in diverse communities, particularly throughout the Bronx.
Marisa Estrella’s heart for service found a lasting institutional expression in 2015 with the founding of Worldwide Veterans and Family Services, Inc. (WVFS). Created to support veterans and their families, WVFS helps individuals access essential resources such as affordable housing, medical and mental health care, and day-to-day living assistance. Under her leadership, the organization has grown through in-kind and monetary donations from a wide range of partners, translating generosity into tangible relief for those who have served the nation.
True to its name, WVFS reflects Chaplain Estrella’s global vision. Her work extends beyond U.S. borders, notably to the Dominican Republic, where she encountered homeless veterans originally from New York who had fallen on hard times. Recognizing their need for healing and stability, she did not stop at advocacy—she designed and helped build a homeless veterans’ shelter to code, working directly with the Veterans Administration to ensure proper care and oversight. Back home in New York, she expanded food programs for Bronx veterans at J.J. Peters Medical Center and answered calls for support wherever need arose. When a Veterans Closet was established inside Mt. Vernon City Hall, she arrived with a truckload of brand-new clothing, shoes, and personal care items, uplifting thousands of veterans and their families with dignity and respect.
Today, Chaplain Marisa Estrella stands as a living embodiment of peace in action. As an Ambassador for Peace, she serves humbly—often pushing past her own comfort to meet the needs of others with quiet strength and unwavering resolve. Through her presence, her leadership, and her tireless service, she reminds us that peace is built not only through words, but through consistent acts of care for those who have sacrificed so much.