Vanessa brings with her 31 years of business and civic leadership experience. She has held marketing, communications, and philanthropy leadership positions with a variety of companies, including Mary Kay Cosmetics, The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office, Cartoon Network, Anheuser-Busch, Wells Fargo, and Washington University in St. Louis.

Known for her ability to build results-driven partnerships, facilitate dynamic collaborations, create high-performing teams, and effectively convene diverse stakeholders, Vanessa is a serious changemaker. She has led innovative arts, education, technology, and health & wellness initiatives, reaching more than 20 million children and adults over the course of her career.

Always willing to serve her community, Vanessa's humanitarian efforts over the last three decades have helped promote and advance human welfare and social reform across the U.S. Highly sought-after for her expertise in board governance, organizational culture, talent development, DEI, and reputation risk management, she has served on 150+ local and national non-profit boards, including the SIFMA Foundation for Investor Education, Harris-Stowe State University, VoteRunLead, and Mercy Hospitals.
Vanessa earned her bachelor's degree in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, a master's degree in Business Administration from Webster University, and has studied and traveled extensively in Europe, Africa, and Asia. She has received more than 50 awards for her industry and community work, including the 2016 Eisenhower Fellowship and the 2018 St. Louis American Corporate Executive of the Year.

An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Jack & Jill of America, Vanessa enjoys cycling, cooking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.