About me
Marissa Vismara serves as Legislative Advocate for Federal and State Affairs at the California School Boards Association (CSBA), where she analyzes legislation, develops advocacy strategies, and builds relationships with policymakers and education stakeholders to advance policies that strengthen California’s TK–12 public schools and help every student succeed. She advocates on behalf of nearly 1,000 school districts and county boards of education statewide to support the education, health, and well-being of more than 6 million students.
Her policy portfolio includes federal education policy and funding, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, school nutrition, special education, student behavioral health services, Medi-Cal, and artificial intelligence and emerging education technologies.
Prior to joining CSBA, Marissa served as a Legislative Representative at the California Department of Education (CDE), where she advised State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and represented the Department before the California Legislature. She coordinated technical assistance on more than 100 education and health bills, developed evidence-based advocacy materials, represented the Superintendent at legislative hearings, and advocated for students with disabilities and the special education workforce.
Marissa earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Global Health from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in Health Policy and Management, with a focus on Maternal and Child Health, from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Born in Sacramento and raised by a consultant to the Senate President Pro Tempore’s Office, Marissa developed an early passion for public policy and advocacy. Her lived experience as a primary caretaker and conservator for a brother with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities inspires her commitment to building a California where every student is respected, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.
