of the sea, for the sea.
Marissa means “of the sea.” Long before I knew that, the ocean was already pulling me in.
I’m an underwater photographer, science communicator, and ocean storyteller based on Oʻahu, working in marine conservation. I turn ocean science into stories people can connect with, and I help the organizations protecting the ocean reach the people who can make a difference.
I’m equal parts creative and connector. More than nine years in B2B sales, partnerships, and recruiting taught me how to turn cold calls into lasting friendships. Today I bring that same energy to building partnerships for the ocean.
If you’re working to protect the ocean, I’d love to connect.
My why.
In the ocean, by the ocean, for the ocean.
Nature has always been a part of me. I grew up exploring Colorado and hiking fourteeners, but the ocean held something the mountains never could. It held the unknown. I’ve always been drawn to its endless mysteries and the question of what lies beneath.
My time living in Australia deepened that pull. I learned to respect the ocean’s power and to feel at home in it, and it became the place I went to clear my head and dream up big ideas.
Then the pandemic came. Hawaiʻi’s beaches and trails closed, but the ocean stayed open. So I learned to freedive. I was hooked almost instantly, and before long I was recruiting friends to drive an hour across the island to catch sunrise from the water.
The more time I spent underwater, the more I noticed how we share this planet with everything from the tiniest micro-organisms to apex predators, and how we can co-exist peacefully. I also began to see what the ocean is up against, from warming waters and coral bleaching to plastic and wastewater pollution and overfishing.
The ocean had given me so much, and I knew I had to give something back. So I made a promise to keep learning, to be a steward of the sea, and to help others see what I see through photography and storytelling.
Those hours underwater are the reason behind everything I do on land.
Science communicator.
Where science meets story.
My science background includes a degree in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado Boulder and marine biology studies at the University of Wollongong in Australia. It helps me read the research and translate it into something people can connect with.
I was doing this long before it was my job. For more than seven years, I’ve shared my love for the ocean on Instagram.
Today, I lead social media and outreach for Hawaii Uncharted Research Collective, where I built a partnership with Bright Buoy Diving and ran the joint campaign from start to finish. It reached 175,000 people, brought in 2,500 new supporters, and more than doubled the organization’s community in a single collaboration.
I also lead events and communications for Fish Pono – Save Our Reefs, translating reef science from leading marine researchers into messaging for the public, keiki, legislators, and supporters. I help bring major events like Ocean Day at the Capitol and World Oceans Day to life, represent the organization on-site, and help guide its ambassador program.
Behind the lens.
Freediver. PADI Advanced Open Water diver. Marine life nerd. Conservationist.
My photography grows out of time spent in the water, not just behind the camera. For more than seven years, I’ve documented my dives and ocean encounters, shooting on a single breath and on scuba around Hawaiʻi’s reefs.
Long before I picked up a professional camera, I was learning how to be one with the ocean. I learned to move with the current, stay calm and comfortable on a breath-hold, and control my buoyancy. For years I shot on action cameras, and that’s where I learned the fundamentals of framing, perspective, and light, and how to approach wildlife respectfully, on its own terms.
Recently I upgraded to a professional underwater rig, and my only regret is not doing it sooner. That’s how you know it was the right call.
Honestly, I just want people to fall in love with the ocean the way I have. My photos are how I bring it back to the surface for them. I’m always excited to team up on conservation projects, so if you’re working on something, let’s chat.
Background.
Nine years of building relationships that last.
Before focusing on the ocean, I spent more than nine years in B2B sales, partnerships, and startup recruiting. I was a 3x President’s Club honoree, hit 152% of quota, and generated $1M in new annual revenue as the sole representative for a digital product line. As a Senior Account Executive, I managed a $1.5M portfolio of more than 100 accounts across California, Arizona, and the Pacific Islands.
Along the way, I spent more than two years in freelance content marketing for over 30 brands across hospitality groups and marketing agencies. The common thread has always been turning cold introductions into long-term partners, and that’s exactly what I want to do for the ocean.
Education & Certifications.
Grounded in Science.
B.A. in Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder
Study abroad, University of Wollongong, Australia (Biodiversity of Marine and Freshwater Organisms)
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
Introduction to Project Management, University of Adelaide
Volunteer Efforts: 4Ocean, Aloha Animal Sanctuary, Surfrider Foundation, Maui Humane Society
