Vanessa joined the Innocence Project in 2023 as assistant director of organizational development. She provides high-level, customized facilitation services and assists individual Network members and the Network at large with the creation of strategies to grow their organizations to become stronger, impactful, and equitable. Previously, Vanessa worked with diverse international organizations, including the International Rescue Committee, USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives, and the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, specializing in supporting U.S.-based and international civic organizations and groups to effectively communicate their mission, expand their outreach, and apply critical organizational standards that support the goals of human rights, nonviolence, and justice. Vanessa holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the NY Institute of Technology. She’s a native of the Bronx and likes to spend her time assisting others to make their home (or apartment) beautiful and functional. She’s a dedicated yoga practitioner and loves nature and neighborhood walks.