Vanesa Contreras Rodriguez

Vanesa (Vané) Contreras Rodríguez, M.Ed., is a dynamic and accomplished leader in the field of education and youth development. With a robust background in program administration, strategic partnerships, talent development, and curriculum creation, Vané has dedicated her career to empowering students and families.

Born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, her family’s pursuit of the American Dream brought them to the U.S., a journey shared by many immigrants. As a proud product of public education, she has witnessed firsthand the disparities that hinder student success, such as language barriers, socioeconomic challenges, and cultural differences. These obstacles have fueled her passion for educational equity, driving her to create opportunities for marginalized communities to access post-secondary education, regardless of the path they choose.

Throughout her career, Vané has advocated for educational reforms and equitable college access and success programs that resonate with diverse cultures. Her career and personal mission are intertwined; she is an education advocate and changemaker, not just by profession but also by conviction, shaped by her own academic experiences. Vané has demonstrated a strong ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships, develop and implement effective programs, and support students in achieving their post-secondary goals. Her bilingual skills in Spanish and English, combined with her expertise in program innovation, strategic visioning, project management, and social networking, make her a versatile and impactful leader.

Vané currently serves as the Vice President of Programs and Impact at New Pathways for Youth, where she leverages her extensive experience to drive program excellence and innovation. In this role, she oversees the strategic planning and execution of programs that support youth in achieving their full potential. Her leadership ensures that the organization’s initiatives are aligned with its mission and goals, and that they effectively address the needs of the communities they serve. Having greatly benefited from the mentorship and care of adults throughout her youth and early career, she deeply values the impact New Pathways for Youth has on kids in the Valley. She enthusiastically joined the organization in September 2024.

Prior to her current role, Vané was the Director of College Access at Bottom Line in Massachusetts. There, she led a high-performing team that supported over 250 students annually through the college application and financial aid process. She also cultivated strategic partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations, formalizing agreements and facilitating collaboration to enhance program delivery and impact.

Vané holds a Master of Education in Leadership in Higher Education from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Business Entrepreneurship from Arizona State University. Her academic background, coupled with her professional experience, equips her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the field of education and youth development.

In addition to her professional achievements, Vané is actively involved in the community. She has been an advocate of Be A Leader Foundation, serving as a volunteer, staff member, and long-time champion of their work. She is also currently a mentor for the Los Diablos Latino Alumni Chapter, for which she was a scholar during college. Her volunteer and mentoring commitment reflects her dedication to giving back to the community and supporting the next generation of leaders.

When she’s not working, you can find Vané cooking or baking, spending time with her husband, Samuel, and their dog, Mocha, or sipping on a cold brew at her local coffee shop.