Raised in North Hollywood, in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, Marissa was inspired early on by her father — a brilliant attorney devoted to supporting disenfranchised communities — who became quadriplegic during her youth. Caring for him instilled in her a deep understanding of human resilience and the power of the law to uplift those in need.

Marissa earned her degree from San Francisco State University, where she designed an interdisciplinary major: Political Economy of Africa and the Middle East. Her studies included extensive international travel, deepening her global perspective and commitment to justice.

She went on to attend the University of West Los Angeles School of Law while raising her son. During this time, she co-founded and directed the East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative — the first of its kind and a national model for community-owned land. She also helped launch an education program to promote collective land ownership, while serving as a property manager for a community land trust, supporting tenants in securing affordable housing.

Marissa continues to advocate for equitable land access across urban and rural communities as a volunteer with the California Farmer Justice Collaborative, where she helps organize the annual Rural Justice Summit connecting diverse land and food justice movements.

At NPN, Marissa is part of a powerhouse legal team focused on habitability cases — helping tenants obtain justice after enduring substandard living conditions. She is a fierce advocate for everyday working people, driven by an unwavering commitment to equity and dignity for all.

Outside the office, Marissa enjoys hiking, exploring her family history, and going on local adventures with her son.