A Triple Impact: Innovation, Access, & Youth Engagement
A Chat with Young Pharmacy Leader, Marissa, at the ECOSOC Youth Forum
by Natalia de León Tello
Marissa El Hajje at the UN Youth Forum on April 15-16, 2025
At the recent ECOSOC Youth Forum, we sat down with a standout young leader who’s redefining what it means to be a changemaker in the pharmaceutical world. Marissa El Hajje, a Brazilian-Lebanese pharmacist and PhD candidate at the University of São Paulo, shared her journey—from scientific research to social entrepreneurship and advocacy for health access.
Currently in her final year of doctoral studies, Marissa specializes in drug design using computational methods. Yet her work extends far beyond the lab. She serves as the American Regional Office Chairperson at the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), representing students and pharmaceutical scientists across Latin America, the United States, and Canada.
“I’m passionate about research and the discovery of new medications,” she shared. “But what truly sets professionals apart today isn’t just a degree—it’s the willingness to engage in extracurricular activities, associations, and real-world advocacy.”
Marissa’s passion is rooted in both science and community. In 2023, she founded the Mariam Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping underserved communities in her home country access medications at no cost. She is also working to launch a cannabis consultancy company, which would be the first of its kind in the Middle East—another example of her bold vision and dedication to innovation.
When asked about her experience at the ECOSOC Youth Forum as a United Nations Youth Office Delegate, she beamed: “I’m learning from experts, making connections that will benefit me and the IPSF. It’s an amazing opportunity.”
“I’m passionate about research and the discovery of new medications,” she shared. “But what truly sets professionals apart today isn’t just a degree—it’s the willingness to engage in extracurricular activities, associations, and real-world advocacy.”
One of her biggest takeaways? The power and passion of young people. “I’m so impressed by high school students speaking in plenary sessions. There is no age or experience requirement for advocacy—it comes from within. It’s innate.”
For those unable to attend in person, she offered an encouraging message: “Never give up. Keep trying, keep engaging. The systems might be bureaucratic, but passion and perseverance matter. You never know—next year, you might be the one in this room.”
As she concluded the interview, Marissa reflected on what the forum left her with: “I’m leaving with a fire inside me—to grow, to keep going, and to do more.”