Developing others has always been a driving force for Vanessa, a force that guided her career track record and passion for member-based organizations. Over the years, Vanessa has combined her love for developing others and artistic expression in both her professional and personal endeavors.

From performing storytelling across the country, to leading a consulting practice focused on organizational development and rooted in equity and justice, Vanessa blends her creativity, knowledge, and experiences to elevate the voices and efforts of those with whom she works.

Vanessa holds a Master of Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. She also earned a certificate in Diversity Education from the University of Ohio and is an active Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator. In 2016, she relocated to Grand Rapids from Iowa City, IA where she served as executive director of a national Latina based, multicultural sorority. With her depth of experience, Vanessa joined the Latina Network as its inaugural Executive Director in April 2020 after serving in the nonprofit sector for nearly 15 years.