With a flair for pop culture, an eye for spotting talent and the tenacity needed to take every project from concept to completion, Vanessa has spent almost 2 decades working at some of the biggest companies in entertainment including MTV, OWN, TMZ, NBC and now at the BEN Group. From MTV’s Real World to the Kardashians and countless red carpets, she has honed her skills working with trendsetters. She’s spent years developing linear and digital campaigns for Fortune 500 brands including AT&T, P&G, General Motors, Taco Bell, Coke/Sprite and Fiat. With a focus on strategic partnerships, sponsorship management and branded content production, Vanessa is a client-centric people person that prides herself in delivering best-in-class integrated experiences.
Being passionate about social responsibility led to her work with Moms of Black Boys United. Inc. This nationally recognized non-profit is focused on changing the perception of boys and men of color in hopes that they can influence the way they are treated by law enforcement and society. Under her leadership as Executive Director, and now board member, the group that started out with 30 moms on Facebook grew to a national organization with a following of almost 200,000 Moms across the country. Along with being recognized for being one of the driving forces behind the Georgia Hate Crimes Bill and the Justice in Policing Act, the organization has guided and provided support to numerous mothers who have lost their sons race-related unjustified violence.
Her first-hand experience as a social justice advocate combined with her extensive career in brand marketing has charged her with the motivation and a sense of responsibility to address Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in entertainment.