Marissa is originally from the traditional territory of the Lekwungen speaking peoples, the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, and currently resides on the traditional and unceded territory of the Leidli T'enneh. There they work as the Regional Dietitian for the First Nations Health Authority where they are honored to work alongside all 55 First Nations communities in northern British Columbia. Marissa also owns Uproot Consulting- an anti-racism consulting company that supports individuals, teams, and organizations to embark on their anti-racism journeys. As a Black, queer woman Marissa believes it is their responsibilty to work to make systems and spaces safer for BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ folks who come after them. For this reason they are working towards their Master of Arts in Interdisiplinary Studies with a focus on Equity and Cultural Studies. Marissa is thrilled to be invited to speak at the CNS conference this year.