Marishka, a Brooklyn-born native New Yorker, began performing at age 8. By 13, she toured Europe in RAISIN and trained at Alvin Ailey, Broadway Dance Center (scholarship), and Fordham University. At 19, she landed a featured Broadway role and understudied the lead in UPTOWN: IT’S HOT, directed by Maurice Hines. She later performed in BUBBLIN’ BROWN SUGAR, FAME, THE WIZ, and THE ME NOBODY KNOWS. In Los Angeles, she worked in character roles and served as a stand-in for A Different World, also appearing on the show.