Featured Projects
Maryland Essentials for Childhood
Connecting Science, Policy & People so Children Thrive
Maryland Essentials for Childhood (EFC) is a statewide collective impact initiative to prevent adverse childhood experiences. We encourage a multi-generational approach that promotes safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments that help children grow up to be healthy and productive citizens. In turn, those citizens can build stronger and safer families and communities for their children.
This initiative was developed in 2014 as a sub-committee of the Maryland State Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (SCCAN) and is supported by The Family Tree and Maryland Information Network (MIN). Vanessa provides ongoing support to leadership team in partner development, outreach strategy and relationships with national partners. Coordinating statewide meetings, presenting content driven workshops, and leading communication efforts.
Working with MIN, Vanessa provided communications strategy and content for Maryland EFC’s rebranding and website. As a community volunteer she has served on the Maryland EFC legislative leadership team addressing public policy needs to prevent child sexual abuse.
In 2026 Prevent Child Abuse America featured Maryland Essentials for Childhood as a case study in Essential Connections.
“Vanessa's expertise and effort have been critical to Maryland Essentials for Childhood (MDEFC). She is a passionate communicator and relationship developer, invaluable skills in sustaining and expanding MDEFC's reach. Vanessa has a broad wealth of knowledge that she shares generously, including in public policy, project and program management, media relations, and child maltreatment prevention. I am deeply appreciative of her commitment, compassion, generosity, and willingness to speak frankly.”
- Wendy Gwirtzman Lane, MD, MPH
LET’S GO
Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow
LETS GO Boys and Girls is dedicated to ensuring access to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning for all students to equip a diverse, skilled workforce ready to take on the challenges of the 21st Century.
Their mission is to create economic success for underserved and marginalized communities through STEM education and workforce development that ensure students are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a world driven by technology and innovation. LETS GO is committed to unlocking the potential in every young mind.
Vanessa led the organization through a strategic planning process that included
Engagement with Strategic Planning Committee
Interviews with Leadership Team, Board of Directors, donors, and community partners as well as focus group sessions with staff and community partners
Review of organization governance documents, financials, fundraising infrastructure, communication plans and program goals.
Analysis of comparable nonprofits in Maryland
The report provided key recommendations and action steps to move forward with implementation.
“Vanessa is an exceptional consultant who transformed our strategic planning process at LET'S GO. From the start, she demonstrated a rare gift for deep listening — not just to our leadership team, but to the communities where the work is centered. She asked thoughtful, probing questions that helped us uncover insights we hadn't yet articulated ourselves. Vanessa has a grounded, centered presence that fostered trust and opened space for honest, meaningful dialogue. Her ability to synthesize diverse perspectives into a clear, actionable vision was invaluable. She is collaborative, culturally attuned, and deeply committed to equity-centered practice. Any nonprofit serious about meaningful, community-driven strategy would be fortunate to work with her.”
Debbie Dininno, Chief Program Officer, LET'S GO
The Collective
Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)
Coach Lead Guide partnered with Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), Center for Business Innovation and Trades to develop their brand identity for a new retail experience that highlights products for small businesses in both a physical storefront and online resource directory.
Our Team provided:
Project management
Full brand development
Website development & copywriting
Signage design
Space layout and display selection
Social media & Email Newsletter design
Application process and small business selection
"Vanessa and I were originally introduced through the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program after she shared an opportunity with the program coordinator. From the beginning, I could tell how aligned we were in both our values and the kinds of organizations we love supporting. She was incredibly easy to work with, gracious with deadlines and reminders, and throughout the project we both learned the value of patience when things slowed down a bit. You know you’ve found a great partner when the working relationship turns into a genuine business friendship. We truly appreciate Vanessa’s support, her warm smile when we run into each other at events, and how wonderful she is to work with.”
-Hazel Geary, Co-Founder, Drio