Cartoonist & Graphic Memoirist; Author of "Cancer Vixen"; Contributor to The New Yorker & The New York Times

Highland Beach, FL, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Marisa Acocella Biography

Marisa Acocella is an American cartoonist and New York Times bestselling author known for her contributions to graphic storytelling and comics. After graduating from Pratt Institute, Acocella worked as an art director at J. Walter Thompson, a Madison Avenue advertising agency. She later co-founded Kirshenbaum and Bond, a boutique advertising agency, before becoming a senior vice president at Young & Rubicam. During her tenure in advertising, Acocella began developing her cartooning career, creating the comic strip "She," which became a regular feature in Mirabella magazine and explored themes of fashion and life choices. Acocella's work has also appeared in The New Yorker, where her cartoons satirize aspects of Manhattan life.

Acocella's graphic memoir "Cancer Vixen" draws from her personal experience with breast cancer, chronicling her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The memoir was recognized by Time as one of the top ten graphic memoirs and was a finalist for the National Cartoonists Society Graphic Novel of the Year. It was also named Slate.com's Medical Book of the Year and was included in The Wall Street Journal's Five Best Books on Living with Illness. HBO announced development of a "Cancer Vixen" film adaptation starring Cate Blanchett.

Acocella's other works include the graphic novel "Ann Tenna," which centers on a gossip columnist's transformative journey after a near-fatal accident, and "The Big She-Bang: The Herstory of the Universe According to God the Mother," which explores themes of the Divine Female and balance in the universe. Her cartoons and illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, Advertising Age, Glamour, W, and O, The Oprah Magazine, among other publications.

In addition to her creative work, Acocella is active in advocacy and philanthropy related to women's health. She has donated royalties from "Cancer Vixen" to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and founded The Cancer Vixen Fund, which provides free mammograms for uninsured women in New York City. The Marisa Acocella Foundation supports free integrative therapies and cold capping for women undergoing chemotherapy at Mount Sinai Dubin Breast Center and Mount Sinai Beth Israel Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as empowerment programs focused on wellness and recovery. Acocella is recognized for her work in comics, graphic novels, and women's health advocacy.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/23/2026.

Marisa Acocella Videos

Seriously Entertaining: Marisa Acocella on "I Have Dreamed"

Seriously Entertaining: Marisa Acocella on "I Have Dreamed"

MARISA ACOCELLA, New Yorker cartoonist, graphic novelist, and author of "The Big She-Bang: The Herstory of the Universe According to God the Mother"...

2015 Cancer Luncheon: Marisa Acocella Marchetto

2015 Cancer Luncheon: Marisa Acocella Marchetto

Marisa Acocella Marchetto, a self-proclaimed “cancer vixen” who set out to “kick cancer in five-inch heels.”

  • How do I book Marisa Acocella to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Marisa Acocella

    Speaking fees for Marisa Acocella, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Marisa Acocella are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Marisa Acocella, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Marisa Acocella speak about?

    Marisa Acocella is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Art & Design, Author, Cancer, Cancer Survivors, Feminism, Influential Women, Non-Fiction Authors, Women's Health, Women's History Month
  • Where does Marisa Acocella travel from?

    Marisa Acocella generally travels from Highland Beach, FL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Marisa Acocella’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Marisa Acocella for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Marisa Acocella for your next private or corporate function.
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Marisa Acocella is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Marisa Acocella for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Marisa Acocella generally travels from Highland Beach, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Geralyn Lucas, Diane Uniman, Dr. Kristi Funk, Dr. Jackie Walters and Giuliana Rancic. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Marisa Acocella for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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