Vanessa BishopSenior Fellow, Bay Area

Chief Program Officer, 10,000 Degrees

In her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, Vanessa has often been referred to as one of those people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world. As a parent, foster parent, educator, and leader, she has always been passionate about promoting equitable practices and outcomes for young people. Vanessa has earned a Master’s degree in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, an Educational Specialist Degree from Walden University, a Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from Lindenwood University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Science from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Her passion, education, and extensive experience have helped to launch her into a career in nonprofit leadership.

In her current role, Vanessa serves as Chief Program Officer for 10,000 Degrees, an organization that supports low-income youth getting to and through college. Prior to 10,000 Degrees, Vanessa worked in the educational nonprofit sector as a program director, executive director, and consultant.

Above and beyond this, Vanessa is a proud mother to one biological son and 2 chosen daughters, and a proud “Gigi” to two grandsons.