For over 18 years, Vanessa worked in the nonprofit sector providing services in areas ranging from child abuse prevention, financial education to tobacco prevention and community development. Since beginning her career, she has maintained an interest in engaging communities in a meaningful and sustainable way so that they can effectively access resources. After moving to Milwaukee in 2003, she was immediately impacted by the racial division of the city and began working to make sure that the voices of under-served and underrepresented communities are brought to decision-making tables. In 2012, Vanessa entered public service when she went to work for the City of Milwaukee focusing on neighborhood development and community outreach. In 2016, she continued her public service by joining the office of United States Senator Tammy Baldwin. At Senator Baldwin’s office, Vanessa serves as the Regional Representative for Southeastern Wisconsin and spearheads Latino outreach statewide.
Vanessa believes strongly in civic service is an alumnus of AmeriCorps VISTA (Chicago), Public Allies (Milwaukee), Latino Nonprofit Leadership Program and Leadership Wisconsin (formerly the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program). She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Community Services from Bowling Green State University.
