Vanessa is an educator, advocate, and nature lover committed to food justice and community empowerment. Since 2015, she has led environmental education and food systems programming with a focus on youth, working with organizations such as the Student Conservation Association and Education Outside. In recent years, her work has expanded to include intergenerational and adult learning spaces, deepening her commitment to collective, community-rooted transformation. Vanessa brings a strong background in program development, community-based learning, and multi-year leadership of grant-funded initiatives. Her work centers on connecting BIPOC communities to nature, empowering people to grow and cook their own food, and making education culturally relevant and locally grounded. Outside of her professional work, Vanessa finds joy in cooking, baking, and sharing meals—honoring food as a tool for connection, healing, and liberation.