Mentorship Programs for the Next Generation

Vanessa is the Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk), where she leads programs focused on agriculture, sustainability, community education, and youth development. With more than 20 years of experience in government relations, public engagement, and community resilience, she has worked with New York State agencies, the MTA, and various regional recovery initiatives following Superstorm Sandy. Vanessa is deeply passionate about inclusive leadership, sustainability, and expanding educational opportunities for diverse communities, including Latino agricultural audiences. She earned a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University and completed doctoral studies in Social Welfare at Stony Brook University.