Saints alumni spotlight: Catching up with Marissa Grab '22
"My career has helped me break generations of poverty and homelessness. It was made possible because of my education. Because of scholarships and the generosity of strangers, I did not pay for my time at Saint Martin's."
- Marissa Grab '22
- Business Administration
When business major Marissa Grab '22 started a five-month internship at an insurance agency, she never expected that it would become the foundation of her career. What began as a way to fulfill a graduation requirement became a passion for helping people build successful insurance agencies and changing the way communities view insurance professionals. Today, as a district sales manager for Farmers Insurance, Marissa coaches and mentors aspiring agents throughout western Washington. Her journey, from growing up homeless and spending part of her adolescence in foster care to becoming a college graduate and successful sales professional, is one she sees as breaking a cycle of generational poverty and creating a different future for her children. Through her career, volunteer work and continued involvement with Saint Martin’s, she carries with her the community, confidence and generosity that she says helped make that journey possible.
Once you graduated, where did your journey take you?
During my last semester, I got a job at an insurance agency to satisfy an internship requirement. I thought it was going to be the most boring five-month job ever. Instead, I accidentally fell in love with the industry!
Since then, I have run several different agencies, including one of the largest State Farm agencies in the state. Today, I am a District Sales Manager for Farmers Insurance.
Did your career path unfold as you expected, or were there unexpected turns along the way?
No! LOL. I thought insurance was going to be a five-month internship to help me finish college. I had no idea I would accidentally fall in love with it.
There is something so special about not only being able to help people protect what is important to them, but to do it in a safe space when they aren't used to trusting insurance agents. Now I get to teach that to aspiring agents so we can work on changing the way our communities see insurance agents.
Tell us about your current career and what a typical day looks like.
As a district sales manager, I help people build insurance agencies. I train people on how to become insurance agents, improve their effectiveness and grow as sales professionals. I coach people all over western Washington.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
Being able to mentor others in their careers.
What advice would you give current students entering your field?
Find mentors and networking buddies. Always work to make your interactions client-centered. The successes will naturally follow.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up homeless and then spent years 14–18 in the foster system.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Being part of breaking generational poverty. Most of my siblings didn't even finish high school. To be a college graduate with a successful career is the best example I can set for my kids.
What motivates or inspires you today?
My kids, as well as other families who experience homelessness, drug-addicted parents, and societal adversities. I try to live my life as proof that anyone can rise above the odds.
Do you have any life updates to share?
My family has recently grown. I recently joined with one of my best friends, who was a single dad, and that has brought one more adult daughter and two young boys into my regular life. That gives us a total of two adult girls and three young boys at home.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
With family, working on my properties and volunteering.
How did Saint Martin’s help prepare you for your profession?
The courses brought real-life substance to the learning process. I also gained confidence that has propelled me not only as a sales professional, but also in my mission to mentor people in the sales industry.
What are some of your favorite memories or experiences during your time at Saint Martin’s? What made them memorable?
Serving on ASSMU, starting sexual assault awareness campaigns—including painting the Rock teal during April—and bringing my son to the Easter egg hunt.
What were three of your favorite classes?
Advanced Marketing / Boss of the Year, Excel, Capstone: Drone and Camera Simulation
What was the craziest moment you remember happening in a class?
I attended Saint Martin’s during the transition out of COVID. During a Zoom class, one of our classmates walked away from his computer without realizing he wasn't wearing pants. He gave the entire class quite a show!
Favorite place on campus?
The small room at the top of Old Main. I feel like no one ever really knew it was there. It was a quiet place for me to get some last-minute studying done—or maybe even sneak in a nap between classes.
Most days, I would start my day at about 3 a.m. at work, then go to classes and head back to work. That room was a huge blessing.
Favorite Saint Martin's tradition?
Luau.
How do you stay connected to Saint Martin’s now that you’ve been out of school for a few years?
I try to attend events both on and off campus. I also serve on the National Alumni Board and help with the South Puget Sound and 253 alumni chapters.
Are you looking to hire any Saints alumni?
I am always hiring for people interested in sales and marketing!
What do you cherish most about Saint Martin's?
Community, passion and generosity.
My career has helped me break generations of poverty and homelessness. It was made possible because of my education. Because of scholarships and the generosity of strangers, I did not pay for my time at Saint Martin's.
Favorite local Olympia restaurant?
Lemon Grass.
Coffee, tea or energy drink?
Water.
Dream travel destination?
New Zealand—and Hawaii. I hope to travel there in conjunction with an alumni event one year soon.
First job?
Burgerville, which eventually turned into my first management opportunity.
Most-used app on your phone?
Outlook… So boring! LOL.
Business Administration
Ready to learn how to become an effective and ethical leader in the corporate world? A business administration degree may be the best option for you.
- Campus
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- Main (Lacey)
- Saint Martin's-JBLM
- Type of Instruction
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- In Person
- Degree
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- Bachelor of Arts
