Marissa is Hopi and Tewa, from the Village of Tewa and a member of the Corn Clan. She is a Sayah (grandmother in Tewa) to two precious grandchildren and a mother to two beautiful daughters, Renae and Maree Mahkewa. Marissa is very passionate when it comes to facilitating or participating in collaborative efforts across sectors. She truly believes in building local community capacity and grassroots efforts. She finds enjoyment out on the land harvesting local wild edible plants, running the local trails, spending time with family, and fishing. Marissa is a program officer for the Colorado Plateau Foundation, an Advisory Member for the Arizona Community Foundation Native American Initiative, a member of the Environmental Grantmakers Association, and serves in the role as Volunteer Project Coordinator of the First Mesa Annual Cleanup and Erosion Control and Restoration Project. She is also an appointed member of The Hopivewat Task Team.