At UC Berkeley, Marissa’s personal experiences as a system-impacted and first-generation student led her to join social justice organizations such as The Suitcase Clinic, providing health and social services to the local homeless community. Reflecting on her struggles as a student, Marissa sought to help her peers by interning with Berkeley EOP and The Basic Needs Center to aid underrepresented students navigating academia and ensure their access to public benefits. Marissa also connected with the Central Valley Scholars and mentored youth from her community seeking higher education. Marissa hopes to become involved in criminal justice reform and social welfare policy.