Vanessa is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley and is a proud first-generation, Haitian-American student from Burbank, California. Coming from a multicultural background, she brings a deep appreciation for community, language, and connection into every space she occupies. She first discovered her passion for social justice in high school through her involvement in restorative justice programs aimed at disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, as well as her service on the California Association of Youth Courts Youth Advisory Board. In addition, she dedicated time to supporting developmentally disabled students, reflecting her deep-rooted passion for helping others in meaningful ways.
Her commitment to advocacy and service continues at Berkeley, where she serves as the Director of Public Relations for the Black Pre-Law Association, working to help reduce systemic barriers to educational and professional pathways for Black students aspiring to enter the legal field. She is also a Peer Coordinator in the Student Learning Center’s Language Exchange Program, where she uses her love of language learning to foster belonging and connection among fellow students, and encourage cross-cultural awareness.
Looking ahead, she aspires to continue serving historically marginalized communities through a career in psychology, with a particular interest in community-based and culturally responsive care. She hopes to combine advocacy, mental health support, and education to address systemic inequities and expand access to healing resources for youth and families. Ultimately, she aims to be a source of empowerment and support, contributing to long-term change by uplifting voices and strengthening communities.
Major(s): Psychology
Minor(s):