Marisa Cheaks: Empowering Teams and Communities Through Data

Title: Associate Manager – Space Transformation & Analytics

Organization: PepsiCo

Age: 29

Marisa Keilman Cheaks (née Mendoza) is a results-driven leader known for turning insight into action through strategic collaboration and analytical leadership. A Northwest Indiana native and current Chicago resident, and the proud granddaughter of immigrants, Marisa’s upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for opportunity—values that continue to shape both her leadership style and who she is today.

Over the past five years, Marisa has built her career at PepsiCo, beginning in the Customer Integration Center and currently serving on the Consumer & Shopper Insights Space Optimization & Analytics team, where she contributes to digital transformation and analytics initiatives. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Marisa is deeply committed to mentorship, collaboration, and giving back to her community. She actively supports the development of others by sharing knowledge, mentoring interns, and encouraging cross-functional learning. Marisa is a participant in PepsiCo’s Hispanic Employee Resource Group, Adelante, where she served as a co-leader for two years. In this role, she helped create events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and helped organize Back-to-School drives benefiting Chicago-based nonprofits supporting local families and students.

Marisa’s dedication to excellence, continuous learning, and purposeful leadership has distinguished her as an emerging leader within her organization and industry. She honors the hard work and sacrifice of her grandparents, Don and Halina Keilman, and is thankful for the unwavering encouragement of her husband, Adam Cheaks.

As a 40 Under 40 nominee, Marisa is honored to be recognized alongside other professionals who are shaping the future of their industries and communities.