Marisa Garcia began working in drug policy reform in 2000 after being denied financial aid under the Higher Education Act Drug Provision due to a minor marijuana offense. Shortly after being denied aid she came into contact and became active with Students for Sensible Drug Policy. She formed an SSDP chapter on her campus and began working with the national office telling her story to reporters from all over the country. She has appeared in numerous venues including The New York Times, US News & World Report, The Rolling Stone, CNN and FOX.

Besides her extensive work with media, she has also been invited to speak on numerous conferences across the country, including testifying before an American Bar Association panel. Marisa has also been invited to speak on Capitol Hill with members of Congress on behalf of the R.I.S.E. Act, a bill that would repeal the drug provision.

In addition to her work for SSDP, Marisa has also worked as a VIP Relations Intern for The Marijuana Policy Project, as a Harm Reduction Associate for the Drug Policy Alliance, and is currently continuing to work in the non-profit field in Los Angeles.