Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Rodriguez
Hi Vanessa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Personal statement: “Proud Ponceña and Puertorriqueña! Child of God! Brave, full time optimistic, and passionate communicator. I bring a smile, and I am committed to share love and hope as well to connect people and resources in a mutually beneficial direction.”
Vanessa Rodriguez serves both Hispanic Alliance and LiveWell Greenville as the Community Action Coordinator. She comes to this role with over twenty years of communications and public relations experience in government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.
Vanessa is originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, and served her government as the Director of Public Relations for the Commission of Women’s Affairs for the Office of the Governor of Puerto Rico, and the Communications and Press Director for the Office of the Women Advocate for Puerto Rico’s Government.
Like many of her fellow Puertoriqueños, Vanessa and her family were hit hard by Hurricane Maria in 2017, which devastated the island’s economy and infrastructure. Though they tried to persevere in their home, they were drawn to Greenville after being invited by friends to visit. Over time her husband and she found jobs in the city, and their son, Lorenzo loves to play on the CESA soccer fields.
Vanessa’s life project is DESCALZA, a movement to share daily messages of optimism and faith with more than 8,500 Hispanic followers. Through social media, mentorship and social work she wants to ease the way for Hispanic women and their families, who are walking the challenging path she has already traveled.
Vanessa’s extensive cross-sector experience assisted her in the complex role as Community Action Coordinator for two Organizations. She coordinates efforts of multiple health and research institutions. Her strategies use the existing network of bi-cultural community health workers to survey the health behaviors and needs of Hispanic residents, returning vital information to participants and researchers at the same time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I moved here in 2019, I didn’t speak English. My vocabulary was very limited and that was an incredible challenge. From being an extrovert person to being an introvert and kept silent most of the time, but always with a smile.
The family and friends is something that I miss! Also the weather when is cold, is a challenge for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am good with Relationship Building!
My favorite project at work is being able to facilitate the Health Equity Action Leadership HEAL Board, with Hispanic Alliance, LiveWell Greenville and REEM.
The HEAL Board is an inclusive group of multicultural leaders who partner with the community to advocate for quality care and equitable health outcomes for All.
What are your plans for the future?
Continue to strengthen the relations with neighbors in Greenville to advocate and advance Health Equity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @vdescalza
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vdescalza
