Immigrating from Colombia at a young age, Vanessa quickly learned the ins and outs of the US immigration system. Her upbringing and cultural ties were split between Colombia, the U.S. and Mexico. She studied Sociology from the Universidad de Monterrey, and completed a dual major in Sociology and Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming. She moved to Jackson in 2021.

In her time in Jackson, Vanessa has worked for several non-profit organizations, including Astoria Park Conservancy and Coombs Outdoors. Her focus has been in communications and expanding access to services for the Latino community. Her interests in outdoor education and advocacy have helped her create several Spanish-speaking programs in Jackson, including Spanish Avalanche Awareness Night, Spanish Climbing Clinics, and Spanish Uphill Ski Clinics. Vanessa is also working to dismantle stereotypes of immigrants through her work in film and writing.

Vanessa brings to WIAP her communication and community building skills to build a strong foundation of support for immigrants. Her development of the Teton Area Rapid Response Network aims to create a lasting support system to strengthen community connections for immigrants and beyond.

Outside of WIAP, Vanessa is passionate about pursuing a career in mountain sports as a ski mountaineer and trail runner. You can often find her on a skin track or foraging for mushrooms in the woods.