Vanessa is Head of New Project Development for OnSide Youth Zones.  She leads ‘live’ Youth Zone projects nationally, taking them from the point of council approval up to pre-opening. She has specific experience in establishing governance structures, building strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement.

With 20 years’ work in the charity sector, arts-led regeneration and social housing, Vanessa has always been interested in building momentum and bringing new ideas to life. Her passion for young people stems from a strong belief in early intervention and prevention.

Vanessa was a member of the Clore Social Leadership 2019/20 cohort, a national programme developing leaders with a social purpose so that they can transform their communities, organisations, and the world around them.