MEET TEAM MEMBER VANESSA - WEBDESIGN AND EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD
My journey to The Charity Design Co. has been an adventure, one that I never anticipated but feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of. My connection with Dani began as a teacher at the school her kids attended. It was by chance that both our daughters became friends, which naturally evolved our formal teacher-parent relationship into a friendship that has now led me to this amazing company dedicated to creating meaningful change in the world.
Life has a funny way of steering us in unexpected directions, doesn't it? I didn't have a clear roadmap for my future; I went to college with the sole purpose of providing a better life for my daughter after having her as a teen. I navigated the challenges of parenthood, part-time work, and full-time studies (all without a car for my first year!). I’ve always had the mindset that if I really want something, I can make it happen one way or another.
My post-college years took me on a path I hadn't initially envisioned. From being a research assistant immersed in data collection to joining Teach for America and relocating from my hometown in Texas to Denver, Colorado – each experience shaped my advocacy for students, education, and survivors of trauma. Though it was a tough decision to leave my initial placement school, it marked the beginning of a new chapter, bringing fresh adventures and opportunities to support students who shared my background.
In my current role at a school with a newcomer center, I've discovered a genuine sense of purpose. As one of two bilingual Latina teachers, I create a unique classroom experience for students from Latin American countries, teaching in both English and Spanish to make content more accessible (although this isn’t in my job description and there is a sense of resistance from some of my colleagues). Beyond my official responsibilities, I provide a safe space for students to embrace their native language and be their authentic selves – a commitment born out of the belief that it's the right thing to do.
My interest in web design began as an unexpected yet rewarding evolution. It was in my role as a STEM teacher that I discovered my passion for the engineering design process, web design and promoting collaboration amongst students from diverse backgrounds. Outside the classroom, I've delved into web design projects, exploring AI-generated art for storytelling and mastering new platforms to craft impactful websites.
Joining The Charity Design Co. is not just about bringing technical skills to the table; it's about infusing a sense of style, empathy, and creativity into every project. For me, meaningful work has always transcended monetary gains. My motivation lies in making a significant impact, knowing that my efforts contribute to making the world better. Working with nonprofits aligns perfectly with this ethos, as I bring not only web design expertise but also years of experience as an advocate, storyteller, and firm believer that purpose and collaboration can achieve anything.
I'm thrilled to embark on this new chapter, using my skills and passion for web design to further the impactful work of The Charity Design Co. Together, we can create websites that not only captivate visually but also serve a greater purpose in advancing the missions of the non-profits we collaborate with. Here's to making a difference, one website at a time!