Marissa Lelogeais
& The Merry Rockers

Marissa Lelogeais is not defined by her disabilities. If you ask her, she will say, “My life is music, and music is my life.” While studying at Berklee College of Music, she was so moved by the music and story of Bob Marley and the people of Jamaica that she decided to write and record roots reggae music. Since then, Mar has had the opportunity to travel to Jamaica and immerse herself in its music and culture.

Now an adult with a blossoming career, Mar is the band leader and lead vocalist of the empowering movement, The Merry Rockers. Through song and story, she shares her views on inclusion from the perspective of a functionally alter-abled person, consistently wowing audiences in all settings—whether on stage with her full band, as a keynote speaker at conferences, or in inclusive breakout session education forums.

For anyone facing challenges, she offers the following advice: “Never give up on your dreams. You may think your dream is unattainable—believe me, I did. But when you’re determined enough and have people who support you, anything is possible. You might not be able to do it to the same extent as someone without disabilities, but you can still do it.”