Isa Marie joined the Center for Land-Based Learning team in 2023 as the Contracts Manager where she is responsible for administrative and financial oversight of grant and contract funding. Before joining the CLBL team, Isa Marie worked as Grants Manager at Farmer Veteran Coalition where she managed both federal and foundation grants from application to closeout. Prior to diving into grants and contracts management, Isa Marie served in the Army for 8 ½ years as a Multiple Launch Rocket Systems Repairer, serving 27 months in combat. During her first deployment she conducted convoys in Ramadi, Fallujah, and Baghdad, and was awarded a Combat Action Badge after coming under direct enemy fire. In 2012, Isa Marie became a caregiver to her husband after he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, losing both of his legs and sustaining a moderate traumatic brain injury. 

Her dedication to supporting the agricultural community began in 2016 when her husband found his new purpose in beekeeping. He began with just 75 hives and has since grown to about 1500 hives, which get contracted to the almond growers in Woodland, California every spring. In May 2019, Isa Marie graduated from Sacramento State’s Business Honors Program, earning a degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior. During her time at Sac State, Isa Marie had the opportunity to complete a 3-week international business program at Tamkang University in Taipei, Taiwan. The opportunity to immerse herself in another culture is an experience that she values immensely, and has sparked her desire to travel.