She has worked extensively to develop several youth empowerment programs in Los Angeles that converge community storytelling, coalition building, and intergenerational dialogue. Her research interests include: WWII Japanese American incarceration, healing in diasporic oral histories, generational impact of community trauma, communities of color activism, antiracist politics, human rights and civil rights. Marissa believes art is a tool for social change by transforming communities through dialogue, creativity and engagement.