Vanessa is a multidimensional dynamic Latina Leader. Vanessa is a Mother, a First Gen Latina, and a Proud daughter of immigrants. Vanessa dedicates her career to the advancement of students in education and serves as a mentor and advocate for their success. Vanessa is a proud supporter of women’s education. She is an Alverno College alumna earning both her bachelor's and master's degree from Alverno College. Currently she is employed at Mount Mary University, as the Director of the Burke Scholarship Programs overseeing both the Caroline & Grace Scholarship Programs.Previous to that Vanessa worked in K-12 education at Carmen Schools of Science & Technology and in Higher Education at MATC and at Alverno College making major gains in integrating the Hispanic community with the schools. Vanessa was recognized by the Milwaukee Business Journal (MBJ) as one of the 2019, 40 Under 40 Award recipients. Vanessa volunteers countless hours with multiple organizations throughout the greater Milwaukee area, to help improve the quality of life of her community. Vanessa was named in 2023 Wisconsin's Most Influential Latina Leader by Madison 365, the 2023 Hispanic Family of the Year, and the 2018 Wisconsin Hispanic Woman of the Year, by UMOS.Vanessa was selected as the recipient of the 2016 Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM) Future Leader Award. Vanessa was part of Mission Fuel Wisconsin's Nonprofit Accelerator Program at Cardinal Stritch University. She completed the Future Milwaukee Community Leadership Program at Marquette University. In 2023 Vanessa completed the HPGM Board Pipeline Initiative Program designed to prepare professionals for board service. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Greater Milwaukee Chapter. Vanessa also completed the Nonprofit Board Training Program through United Way, Project LEAD- Leadership, Effectiveness, And Diversity. Vanessa is an active member of the Hispanic community. She served as the 2013-2014 Ambassador representing the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation/Mexican Fiesta Inc. promoting education and leadership in the Hispanic community.The Four Domains of Leadership Strengths: Under Executing- ResponsibilityUnder Influencing- Communication and WooUnder Relationship Building- HarmonyUnder Strategic Thinking- Futuristic