Acts in an advisory capacity to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager on issues of disability for Long Beach, CA residents.-Assembles information on issues affecting people with disabilities in the areas of employment, health services, housing, transportation, recreation, and other life activities.-Recommends ways to eradicate artificial barriers preventing a full and productive life for people with disabilities.

Marissa is proud to serve on the Steering Committee of the National Convergent Science Cancer Consortium supported by the Department of Defense and led by USC. This Consortium brings together researchers from USC, Cedars-Sinai and Stanford University and was recently selected as part of President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot program with the goal to catalyze breakthrough solutions to identify strategies to predict treatment in certain cancers.

Researches individuals and organizations who support equity, diversity, inclusion and access as part of their mission, with the goal of engaging them in the USC School of Dramatic Arts' (SDA) ongoing commitment to these values, and partnering with leaders in this space to attract students, faculty and staff with all levels of abilities.-Stewards existing donors who volunteered for the 75th anniversary gala event that the school hosted in 2021. Continues to build these important… Show more Researches individuals and organizations who support equity, diversity, inclusion and access as part of their mission, with the goal of engaging them in the USC School of Dramatic Arts' (SDA) ongoing commitment to these values, and partnering with leaders in this space to attract students, faculty and staff with all levels of abilities.-Stewards existing donors who volunteered for the 75th anniversary gala event that the school hosted in 2021. Continues to build these important relationships and engage them in meaningful ways.-Works closely with the development team to identify and research prospects for SDA's capital project. Pitches potential donors and alumni on naming opportunities in SDA’s new building. Show less

Produced dozens of fundraising events per academic year attended by the school’s Board of Councilors, USC Trustees, alumni, parents and high-level donors.-Produced and created event programming to engage alumni into the school’s $75 million campaign including the school’s 75th anniversary gala. Handled stewardship activities during events to encourage alumni and donors to continue relationship building. -Managed all of SDA's performance ticket sales for over 100 productions per… Show more Produced dozens of fundraising events per academic year attended by the school’s Board of Councilors, USC Trustees, alumni, parents and high-level donors.-Produced and created event programming to engage alumni into the school’s $75 million campaign including the school’s 75th anniversary gala. Handled stewardship activities during events to encourage alumni and donors to continue relationship building. -Managed all of SDA's performance ticket sales for over 100 productions per academic year including box office house management of theaters. Show less

In 2012, the USA Chapter of World Eye Cancer Hope (formerly Daisy's Eye Cancer Fund) was founded with the goal of raising awareness and educating people about retinoblastoma; from signs of the "white glow," to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care and survivorship care. In 2016, Marissa assumed the role of president, growing the organization in a multitude of ways including financial donations, regional family support events, increasing WE C Hope USA's international presence and successfully… Show more In 2012, the USA Chapter of World Eye Cancer Hope (formerly Daisy's Eye Cancer Fund) was founded with the goal of raising awareness and educating people about retinoblastoma; from signs of the "white glow," to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care and survivorship care. In 2016, Marissa assumed the role of president, growing the organization in a multitude of ways including financial donations, regional family support events, increasing WE C Hope USA's international presence and successfully producing domestic and international events. -Event Chair for the One Retinoblastoma World Conference in 2017, 2021, and 2024. This unique event brings together medical professionals, survivors, current patients and family members to collaborate on retinoblastoma care, research, genetics and survivorship around the world.-In August 2023, Marissa represented WE C Hope USA at the International Society of Ocular Oncology's first-ever conference in Africa, which focused on the state of retinoblastoma across the continent. Here, she was able to form vital partnerships with pediatric ophthalmologists, ocular oncologists, child life specialists and key global retinoblastoma professionals to aid in advocacy in Africa. One key partnership formed at this event in Kenya is a formal partnership between WE C Hope, the US based non-profit Know The Glow and the Arclight Ophthalmoscope. This triangulated effort provides the Arclight device to six African countries and will aid in detection of retinoblastoma as well as other ocular conditions in rural communities and provide referrals to a local treatment centers. Show less

Event management and execution of 60-80 events per academic year including high-level donor and alumni receptions, awards ceremonies, cultural exhibits and regional and national conference exhibits.-Responsible for planning the USC Annenberg Communication and Journalism commencement ceremonies: ordering rentals, negotiating catering contracts, overseeing 70 staff members and organizing the set-up and execution of two simultaneous ceremonies for 5,000 graduates and guests… Show more Event management and execution of 60-80 events per academic year including high-level donor and alumni receptions, awards ceremonies, cultural exhibits and regional and national conference exhibits.-Responsible for planning the USC Annenberg Communication and Journalism commencement ceremonies: ordering rentals, negotiating catering contracts, overseeing 70 staff members and organizing the set-up and execution of two simultaneous ceremonies for 5,000 graduates and guests. -Worked several events for the USC Office of Cultural Relations and University Events including the launch of USC’s $6 billion fundraising campaign and the inauguration of USC’s twelfth President. Show less

Built key relationships with on and off campus vendors, USC Annenberg faculty and staff, University colleagues, donors, parents and students.-Marketed USC Annenberg events across media platforms to schools and student groups within USC, and outreached to targeted groups in the Los Angeles community.-Worked with the producers and crew on Dan Rather’s live HDNet broadcast of the 2008 Super Tuesday Presidential Primary Elections live from USC Annenberg.

Executive assistant to the EVP and SVP of the Nintendo of America account, while supporting a team of 25 by scheduling client meetings, booking travel, tracking expenses and maintaining executive calendars. Received the company-wide Gerry Harris Award for “going the extra mile.” -Oversaw logistics and maintained budgets for media tours, holiday tours, industry receptions and product launches including the Nintendo Wii game console.-Helped coordinate and staff Nintendo’s E3… Show more Executive assistant to the EVP and SVP of the Nintendo of America account, while supporting a team of 25 by scheduling client meetings, booking travel, tracking expenses and maintaining executive calendars. Received the company-wide Gerry Harris Award for “going the extra mile.” -Oversaw logistics and maintained budgets for media tours, holiday tours, industry receptions and product launches including the Nintendo Wii game console.-Helped coordinate and staff Nintendo’s E3 (Entertainment Software Association Expo) Media Briefing at the world’s premiere trade show for computer and video games at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood attended by thousands of international media members Show less