About
Vanessa is a social worker and a writer living on the US/Mexico border. Her experience of life on the borderlands and as a first-generation daughter of immigrants led her to a career in immigrant rights and social services with the diverse im/migrant communities in San Diego and Imperial Counties and in Mexico.
She has over a decade working in the nonprofit section with organizations that support and advocate for migrants in the region. Through her experience as a mental health clinician for unaccompanied migrant children to directing an immigration legal services program, she has provided community education, engaged in fund development, grant writing and advocacy.
Aside from focusing on border issues, Vanessa writes about food. She recently worked on the Ultimate Cookbook: Mexican Food published by Cider Mill Press.