Leadership
Leadership
Vanessa Luna Shannon has been serving high-promise youth, families, and communities in Northern California for over 20 years, and has received the following recognition for her contributions:
Excellence in Education Award, Petaluma Chamber of Commerce, 2018
Lifetime Achievement Award, Napa County Hispanic Network, 2011
In addition, Vanessa Luna Shannon successfully completed the following leadership programs:
Leadership Petaluma, Class of 2016
Emerge California, Class of 2016
HOPE Leadership Institute (HLI), Class of 2008
More information about the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Leadership Institute:
"...The first and only statewide leadership program specifically designed for professional Latinas in California. The goal of the Institute is to train Latinas in vital leadership and advocacy skills, enabling them to create fundamental change within their local neighborhoods and across California...The HLI provides a learning exchange between participants and leading experts, academics, and practitioners in the fields of civic engagement, leadership, political campaigning, health, education, and economic empowerment."
During this leadership training, Vanessa collaborated with other professionals to conduct state and local studies in education and community health. Given the data, Vanesa and the HOPE Leadership Institute participants met with elected officials at the State and local level, to advocate for public policy initiatives that would enable underserved youth, especially at-risk/at-promise teens, to have access to higher education and health care.
The Leadership Institute raised Vanessa's level of political consciousness. While meeting with local leaders of the Central Valley, a passion was ignited, and Vanessa became inspired to participate in national as well as global socio-political movements. Below are snapshots with other local, state, and national leaders that inspire her work.