Vanessa Thompson is a Pittsburgh native whose desire is to support the education system and empowerment of women. After earning her BA in Psychology from Chatham University in 2012, Vanessa served as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the City of Pittsburgh Mayor’s office. Since then, Vanessa has served on several boards, including The Pittsburgh Promise, Women & Girls Foundation, Chatham University Alumni Association, and Urban League Young Professional to fulfil her passion to support several important causes. Vanessa also has a heart to serve youth. She has worked for Girl Scouts Western PA.
In 2016, Vanessa was recognized by Pittsburgh Magazine’s – Give Pittsburgh as a Young Philanthropist for her work in prison ministry. Vanessa also served as the Youth Director while at Living Way Christian Fellowship. During that time, Vanessa co-founded Promise Legacy, the Alumni Association of The Pittsburgh Promise, which serves as a place for alums of the scholarship to receive mentorship, volunteer, and networking opportunities. Vanessa also worked as Project Lead, Strategic Initiatives and Outreach for Trying Together. She is also the Quality Advisor for Allegheny Partners for Out-of- School Time (APOST). She is a trainer for The Mentoring Partnership and APOST. Vanessa serves as an advisory board member for First Gen Fund, a scholarship program for first generation college students, supported by first generation college graduates.
She recently transitioned to a role with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy as the Institutional Giving Manager and is the Alumni Co-Chair for the New Leaders Council – Pittsburgh Chapter.
Has there ever been a time when you felt like you weren’t capable of taking on a leadership role? How did you overcome that?
There were several times where I felt like I wasn’t capable of taking on a leadership role. One time in particular was while I was employed at Girl Scouts Western PA. I was honest with myself and my supervisor about feeling too challenged and not being sure if I could meet my team’s goal, but due to having a supportive supervisor, I was encouraged to face the challenge head on. Luckily, due to her assistance and having an amazing team around me, we were able to exceed our goal. What I learned from that experience was the importance of being open and honest with myself and my team. I also learned how important it is to ask for help and make sure to have the right people in my corner. That experience taught me how to think strategically and be an honest team leader.
What has been the most valuable part about your time serving as a Board Member for Pittsburgh Promise?
What I love most about serving as a Board Member for The Pittsburgh Promise is being able to share my knowledge and expertise with C-Suite level executives and know that I’m being heard and respected. At first, as the youngest person on the board, I was slightly intimidated by those I served with due to their education level and the positions that they hold. However, I reflected on what I taught the many young women in my Girl Scouts program about the importance of using their voice to make positive changes in their community, I knew I’d be doing the board and future Promise Scholars a disservice if I kept my thoughts, wisdom, and opinions to myself. I understood that it was necessary for me to do these things to move the larger vision forward. I am very lucky to work alongside a group of amazing leaders who encourage me to share my point of view and actually take what I say into consideration.
What has been the most valuable part about your time serving as a Board Member for the Women & Girls Foundation?
I most value working directly with the hundreds of girls that the Women & Girls Foundation serve in their GirlGov program. The girls who are participating in this program are high schoolers with more wisdom and knowledge than many of the adults I’ve worked with and what I love most about them is their passion to serve their communities, city, and nation. When I’m with the girls in the GirlGov program I know that I will learn so much about global issues and regain a spark to serve on a larger scale. Though I’m a few years older than them, they are so mature and responsible in their actions and speech that I always feel like an equal when I’m with them.
What advice would you give to a young person who is interested in serving on a nonprofit Board of Directors?
To young adults who are interested in serving on a nonprofit Board, I would recommend taking time to volunteer for an organization you are passionate about. Every board that I serve on I have volunteered with and it is often easy for me to do because they focus on matters that I truly care about. I would also recommend being open to learn from all walks of life, especially from people who are different than you. Lastly, it is always helpful to have a mentor or an advocate to speak on your behalf and to share your experiences in rooms you have not entered yet.
Who has supported you along your journey personally and professionally? As a young professional, have you benefited from having mentors?
I have absolutely benefited from having mentors. Saleem Ghubril has taught me to dream big and to not give up on that dream, whatever it may be. LaTrenda Leonard Sherrill has taught me, and continues to teach me, the importance of knowing my value, my purpose, and my goal in life and making sure that I don’t settle for less than what I’m worth. Having mentors allowed me the opportunity to explore multiple options due to them having more connections, experiences, and wisdom than I do. Having mentors gave me the extra push I needed to serve on boards, take on leadership opportunities, and meet new people I possibly wouldn’t have met before. I know I wouldn’t be where I am and where I plan to be without the mentors I have.
What kind of change do you want to see in Pittsburgh? What challenges and opportunities do you see in the Pittsburgh region? How have you helped to lead the change through your work?
I’d love to see Pittsburgh become a place that provides more opportunities, financially and academically, for people of color. For it to be a place where equity is its main priority. We are filled with beautiful parks and art, but we lack the ability to meet the needs of our everyday citizens. From there, I’d love to see Pittsburgh become more diverse in every way possible because that is how we can also grow effectively. There are many challenges that Pittsburgh faces, but one way I’ve helped to lead the change is by simply crossing a few bridges, getting to know people who look nothing like me and allowing them to get to know me. My greatest experience was becoming a New Leaders Council fellow earlier in the year. There I made friends who lived all over the world and who are now settling in Pittsburgh. They have taught me so much about myself, their background, and an unlimited amount of possibilities that Pittsburgh has in front of it.
What motivates you in your commitment to service?
At my previous church I was taught that if you see a need, meet it. There are many needs and challenges that Pittsburgh faces and due to my upbringing and my love for the city, I feel as though it is my duty to serve. Furthermore, so many people sacrificed for me to have the experiences that I had; it’s an honor to do the same for others, where I can.