LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE
TOGETHER
Vanessa is an award winning Documentary Filmmaker, National Speaker, and 2x TEDx Speaker.
She is the Founder and Executive Director of Story Maven Media.
Story Maven is a nonprofit media platform elevating social issues through documentary filmmaking.
SEEN IN:
Vanessa is wildly passionate about raising awareness for sexual violence, mental health issues, and overcoming trauma after healing from her own.
Vanessa was 3 or 4 when she started experiencing sexual abuse that plagued her childhood. She was also neglected which led to educational obstacles and a short time in foster care.
When she was 15, she was sexually assaulted in a college preparatory program. Unfortunately, she was re-victimized by the justice system which has fueled her advocacy for survivors.
Vanessa was the first in her family to graduate high school and went on to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Child/Adult/Family Services at Iowa State University. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Trauma Informed Care at the University of Northern Iowa.
Her mission now is to be a voice and a light to others. She has educated, impacted, and inspired thousands arounds the country.
HER STORY
INSPIRED
HER WORK
