Working at Mennonite Mission Network has given Marisa Smucker the opportunity to connect and journey with others in ministry. 

Smucker's work in formal ministry began after she graduated from Goshen College with a degree in social work. Upon completing this degree, she participated in the PULSE (Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience) program and worked with East End Cooperative Ministry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to help churches and schools provide resources for children, adolescents and families. This work opened the door for her to work with the Pittsburgh Youth Network and Urban Impact Foundation. Smucker came to love connecting and resourcing pastors, youth pastors and other ministry leaders. During her time working with the Pittsburgh Youth Network and Urban Impact Foundation, she attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and, later, decided to return to her birth country, Costa Rica. At this point in her ministry, she lived in Costa Rica for 7 1/2 years, working with children and adults in Cartago. During this time, God also provided her with opportunities to receive groups who came to serve and learn about Costa Rica and what God was doing there. 

In 2015, Smucker returned to the U.S. and began working with Mennonite Mission Network. She worked as a church relations representative and, later, became the director of Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS). Now, as the senior executive of Ventures, she is excited to continue connecting with Mennonite Church USA conferences, congregations and beyond, as they collaborate and partner with Mission Network in participating in God's mission around the world.