Address and create more equitable environments for our communities.
Vanessa is a proud and prominent leader both in her school and rural community of Roaring Fork, CO. Growing up in a small town where the Hispanic community is underserved and underrepresented, Vanessa’s activism is fueled by her Mexican-American identity. “I have never seen a recognized leader in my community who represents me, so I became one. I am not a person who waits to take action. I am a problem solver and am always searching for new ways to incorporate more members of my community.”
Vanessa founded the Student Activist Society, where she participated in podcasts, outreach, and fundraising to fight the socioeconomic disparities in her hometown. She was a translator at the Valley View Health Fairs and the Committee Head for Latino Partnership for the Roaring Fork Leadership Event Collective. She also mentored for the Buddy Program, which serves at-risk elementary school students. At school, Vanessa is a leader among her peers serving as Junior Class President and received numerous awards for her academic excellence, including the AP Scholar and World History Awards and the Seal of Biliteracy. For her Senior Capstone Project, she implemented an online tutoring program for English Language Learners in her local elementary schools. Vanessa aspires to be a physician so she can pursue her passion for serving her community and foster connections with other Latinas in healthcare.
Leadership:
- Student Activist Society, Founder
- Roaring Fork Leadership Event Collective, Committee Head
- Buddy Program, Mentor
