Social Entreprenuer.
Vanessa is motivated, passionate, eager to learn and develop new skills especially in leadership and community development. She has a strong love of education, especially practical education and learning.
She graduated from a Bachelor of Latin American Studies at the Australian National University (ANU) in 2014. Co founder and director of Cafe Stepping Stone, a work integration social enterprise that creates inclusive employment opportunities and provides practical training. Originally founded in Cartagena, Colombia where it ran from 2017 - 2020 working with indigenous and afrocolombian youth living in conditions of extreme poverty. Now, Stepping Stone is based in Canberra and works with migrant and refugee women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Cafe Stepping Stone aims to increase their level of English, their sense of belonging in Australia, self confidence and employability.
Working to creating a net positive company, on track to becoming zero waste, preferencing locally sourced ethical and sustainable produce and encouraging a plant based diet.

Vanessa is currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Climate Policy at the ANU