From Uptown to Happily Ever After: A Columbia Love Story for the Books

This Valentine’s Day, meet Carlos and Marisol Estevez, two Columbia staff members whose love story blossomed right here in the heart of Morningside Heights.

Marisol Estevez, advertising manager and creative services manager at Columbia Creative, the University’s in-house creative agency, recently celebrated her 26th year at Columbia. But there's another anniversary she may hold even dearer.

“I met my husband at The School at Columbia University: he worked there, and my daughter was a student there,” Marisol said. “On my birthday, we went to lunch, and he didn't even know it was my birthday. Completely accidental, incredibly sweet, and still one of my favorite stories.”

Carlos, operations manager at The School at Columbia University (or TSC, as it is informally called), has been there for nearly 18 years. Located at 110th Street and Broadway, the K–8 independent school was created by Columbia to serve children of neighboring families and eligible University employees.

Their blended family of six has four TSC alumni: Bryannah (2010), Tyler (2012), Jadah (2016), and Carlie (2025). Over the years, the campus has been more than a workplace: it has been the backdrop to milestones, graduations, and the start of something lasting.

Now living in New Jersey, the couple commutes to Morningside Heights each day. For Marisol, an Upper West Side native, the neighborhood still feels like home. She enjoys daily walks through familiar streets, and the chance encounters that come with community, especially when she runs into TSC teachers, colleagues, and neighbors who live nearby.

Ahead of Cupid’s big day, Columbia Neighbors asked Marisol to share her favorite romantic spots around campus and Morningside Heights, and reflect on how working at Columbia has shaped her family’s story.

Any go-to local romantic lunch spots that may be under the radar?

“One spot that’s still standing is The Heights, located on the second level above Samad’s Gourmet between 111th and 112th Street,” Marisol said. “We’d meet there for lunch or stop by for happy hour after work.”

Another favorite is Tropical Sensation on Amsterdam Avenue between 106th and 107th Street, a longtime neighborhood staple where they'd often catch up midweek.

“And our go-to spot before it closed was Havana Cafe [now Hex & Co.],” Marisol said. “RIP to one of our favorite neighborhood spots—gone but never forgotten.”

What’s the best thing about working at the same place as your spouse?

“Carlos and I truly value working at the same university because it has become more than just our workplace: it’s part of our family’s story,” Marisol said. “Being part of the same institution allows us to support one another professionally while also sharing in the same mission and community. We take pride in contributing to a place that has shaped not only our careers but also our children’s lives.”

In addition to this, the couple has also found joy in collaborating on campus events.

“I’ve really loved working together at The School at Columbia’s annual Rock the Block Fair on campus,” she said. “I managed the food stations while Carlos handled logistics, and we genuinely enjoyed working together.”

What’s the best part of working Uptown?

“I truly love working for Columbia,” Marisol said. “Before starting here, I had to choose between the NYPD and Columbia—and I’m so grateful I chose Columbia. If I hadn’t made that decision, I would have never met my husband, which makes that choice even more meaningful.”

Her colleagues are one of the biggest reasons she's stayed for more than two decades.

“I’ve made long-term friendships that will continue well beyond my time at the University,” she said.

One final question: In honor of Valentine's Day, what's your recipe for a happy marriage?

“A long-lasting marriage is built on choosing each other every day, with patience, honest communication, respect, and a willingness to grow together,” Marisol said.