Gente Organizada

Claudia Vanessa Rodriguez-Reyes (she/they)

“We cannot expect to heal and resource our communities while mirroring the same structures and practices used by corporations who are responsible for the harm and inequities towards our communities. We need to center healing justice and restorative economies frameworks in our work as non-profits in order to truly help our communities.”

Vanessa is the proud daughter and granddaughter of immigrants. The experiences of her family fostered in her a need to dedicate her life and career to fighting to dismantle all forms of systemic oppression. Her dedication to use her knowledge and voice to advocate for that change has led her to work for Gente Organizada (Gente) as the Manager of Operations. She uplifts Gente’s mission by managing the finances and operations of the organization, while also conducting research and writing reports to highlight our community's story. Outside of her career, Vanessa is passionate about taking care of her and others' wellbeing. She believes that, in order to make changes in the world, you have to start with yourself. Vanessa enjoys painting, sewing, singing, dancing, writing, being outside, staying active, and spending time with her loved ones.