Photographed by: Tara
Shot on Vanessa's CANON 60D
December 2021
Born in Marin County and raised in San Francisco’s vibrant culture, her journey into the arts and education began at San Francisco City College, where she studied Modern Arts, Broadcasting, Writing, and the History of Jazz. She later earned a BA in Teledramatic Arts & Technology (now Cinema Studies) from California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), with a minor in International Management Entrepreneurial. At CSUMB, she explored theater, filmmaking, and honed her creative voice through producing a 2-hour live radio show, as well as writing, directing, and producing two short films.
With a career spanning over 20 years in Academic Advising at the Academy of Art University, she has passionately contributed to the Dogpatch Neighborhood community. Her efforts have been recognized with two Certificates of Honor from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2015 and 2016, celebrating her outstanding contributions to social interaction and community service.
A talented photographer and self-taught abstract painter, she finds inspiration in the vibrant world around her. She is currently writing a short story while continuing to explore creative expression. An avid cyclist and runner, she embraces an active lifestyle.
In June 2025, she will ride her fourth and final AIDS LifeCycle, a 7-day, 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles in support of people living with HIV/AIDS. This marks nearly 30 years of involvement with the organization, and to date, she has raised over $12,539 for the cause—a powerful and heartfelt closing ride filled with legacy and love.
A music enthusiast, her passion spans all genres—reflected in over 140,871 minutes of listening on Apple Music in 2024 alone. Her next venture includes launching a podcast on Substack, where she will dive into real-life stories, soulful reflections, and meaningful conversations around movement, creativity, and connection.
In public service, she served as a San Francisco Human Rights Commissioner (2020–2023) and was appointed by Mayor London Breed in June 2023 to the Office of Community Investment & Infrastructure (OCII), where she continues to serve as Vice Chair.
She is currently developing plans for her own art gallery in Dogpatch, blending her love of the arts with a lifelong commitment to equity, community, and creative growth.