Hi there! I'm Vanessa, a passionate and results-driven Policy Advocate with over four years of experience in public health, housing, LGBTQ+, and youth policies. I love working at the intersection of policy analysis, community mobilization, and stakeholder engagement to drive real change.At AIDS Alabama, I had the privilege of leading a fantastic team of over twenty Navigators for Enroll Alabama, ensuring folks all over the state could access health coverage. Collaborating with national and state organizations on housing, healthcare, and sexual health education issues was incredibly rewarding. We worked tirelessly on community mobilization and voter engagement, focusing on Medicaid coverage, youth, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. I also chaired various advocacy groups and led statewide initiatives like Alabama’s annual HIV Advocacy Day. Before diving into policy advocacy, I gained valuable experience in research coordination and teaching at the University of South Florida and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. My leadership roles in sales and operations management at Bath & Body Works and Old Navy helped me develop strong supervisory and training skills.I earned my Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Behavioral Health from the University of South Florida, along with a Graduate Certificate in Translational Research in Adolescent Behavioral Health. I have held certifications in Public Health, Mental Health First Aid, and Human Subjects Research.I'm deeply committed to driving social justice, health equity, and inclusive policy changes. If you’re passionate about these issues too, let’s connect! Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our communities.