Vanessa L. Llanas, born and raised in northwest Ohio, began her career in Head Start programs before working in Chicago’s non-profit sector, where she provided direct services in child abuse prevention, financial literacy, and homeownership counseling. Moving to Milwaukee in 2003, she was struck by the city’s racial division and dedicated herself to ensuring underserved and underrepresented communities had a voice in decision-making.

Transitioning from the non-profit sector, Vanessa spent a decade in public service with the City of Milwaukee, supporting residents through community outreach and helping over 5,000 residents secure more than $400,000 for neighborhood projects. She served as Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and later as Deputy Director for the Milwaukee Office of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. Committed to leadership development, Vanessa is an alumnus of AmeriCorps VISTA, Public Allies, the Latino Non-profit Leadership Program, and Leadership Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Community Services from Bowling Green State University. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys exploring local bookstores, coffee shops, and restaurants in Detroit.