No Small Feat: Disability Advocate and her Guide Dog Prepare to Cross the Graduation Stage as They Do Everything Else — Together

Marissa Nissley (B’24), a student diagnosed with albinism and a visual impairment, has traversed the Hilltop accompanied by her service dog, Smalls. Together they’ve woven through corridors, attended classes, and engaged in campus life. Now, as Nissley prepares to graduate with Smalls by her side, she hopes to convey a message: disability is more than a limitation – it is a source of strength, pride, and community.   

Nissley believes that her blindness has positively impacted her life and is part of her identity. Embracing her disability empowered her to ride nearly 100 miles on a tandem bike in the BellRinger cycling fundraiser, become an advocate for the blind community, and earn a degree in business. For Nissley, vision is not the only meaningful way to navigate the world. 

She travels through Washington D.C. accompanied by Smalls. The yellow Labrador from the Guide Dog Foundation became her confidante and protector. Nissley’s decision to embrace Smalls as her guide was a shift in perspective. Initially hesitant to rely on others to fulfill her goals, she recognized that strength often lies in seeking help.   

Nissley says she chose Smalls because she chose joy. Smalls assists her in identifying objects and enables her to navigate various environments with confidence. Together, they have grown closer and learned to work harmoniously. Nissley also says Smalls has taught her the importance of self-forgiveness. Despite occasional missteps, Smalls remains understanding and supportive, encouraging Nissley to learn from her mistakes without dwelling on them. 

“Smalls is my best friend,” said Nissley. “The way that most people describe their relationships with service dogs is like a marriage, and I think that’s very much the case. You have to work together and learn how to communicate with one another.”

Their bond, forged in trust and mutual understanding, has been the cornerstone of their journey through bustling city streets and academic corridors. As commencement day approaches, Nissley and Smalls will once again stand together at the Hilltop. While she concludes her time as an undergraduate student, Smalls will be honored with a degree in “Fetch Analytics.” 

“She has to use quantitative reasoning when she catches the ball,” said Nissley. Additionally, Smalls will earn a minor in Disability Studies. “She attended every class with me, so she technically meets the requirements.” 

Nissley’s advocacy journey began during the pandemic with her podcast, Legally Blonde and Blind. Shuttered in her home in New Jersey and inspired by her own experiences, she created a platform to share her story and address the lack of resources for younger blind individuals, particularly those ages 16 to 24. 

The podcast gained traction as a space for conversations about the blind experience, including discussions on service animal discrimination, the challenges of the pandemic for blind students, and the journey alongside a guide dog. The podcast’s motto, “vision is overrated,” challenges stereotypes and fosters a sense of pride within the blind community. 

By amplifying diverse voices and advocating for inclusivity, Legally Blonde and Blind has empowered others to embrace their unique identity. Nissley has received messages from listeners who express their gratitude for articulating their needs and providing a platform where they feel understood and represented. 

“I started Legally Blonde and Blind to share my story and bridge the gap for younger blind kids,” said Nissley. “Having a peer mentor who has recently navigated similar challenges can make a huge difference for them.”

Nissley’s commitment to advocacy, community engagement, and personal growth also marked her time on the Hilltop. Initially drawn to Georgetown for its accessibility and campus life, she immersed herself in initiatives that promote inclusivity and support for others.

Nissley served as a board member of the Georgetown Disability Alliance (GDA). She collaborated with Amy Kenny, associate director of the Disability Cultural Initiative, to establish the Disability Cultural Center (DCC). Aligned with the university’s Jesuit values, the DCC fosters a culture of access inside and outside the classroom through the power of arts, sciences, and community.  

“I’ve learned so much from the disability community at Georgetown,” Nissley said. “Disability doesn’t have to be something clinical or medical; it can be a source of pride and community.”      

Her involvement in Hilltop Consultants further enriched her experience at Georgetown. Within the student-run strategy consulting group, Nissley has actively contributed to projects aimed at assisting nonprofits and socially-minded enterprises both locally in Washington, D.C., and globally. 

After commencement, Nissley will remain committed to her advocacy work. Joining PwC as a management consultant, she envisions a future where disability advocacy becomes her full-time profession. Nissley plans to continue the podcast and collaborate with organizations like the National Federation of the Blind to promote accessibility and inclusion. She also hopes to leverage her platform to advocate for increased voter accessibility. 

As Nissley and Smalls embark on the next chapter of their journey, they leave behind a legacy of inclusion and hope at Georgetown. As she believes, true acceptance comes from embracing one’s unique identity.