Get to Know Vanessa:
My family lineage is very diverse… My mother is African born and is of Somali and Italian
descent. My father was born in the United States and is of German, Irish, English, French and
Native American Indian descent. My family is from all over the world. I love it. My uncle was the
ambassador between France and Somalia at one point in his life and career. When he passed, our
family went to Paris (where he and family live) for the funeral. All of our family went over there
and we spoke about five different languages between us. It was wild but also very special. I know I
am very lucky to know and connect with all of my family.
When I’m not modeling I work as an actress and host as well as a director and producer for press
junkets for major motion pictures. I have had one of my dreams come true by working in a room
with Clint Eastwood. He is so relaxed and I love the way he approaches production with a quiet,
focused sense of humor. I admire his career and look to him for inspiration and how I would like
to model myself, as his career has spanned decades.
When I was a little girl I wanted to grow up and be (1) an Olympic ice skater, (2) an actress/model
or (3) a volleyball player. I guess you never really lose those aspirations and I hope I inspire
others to go for their dreams.
My mentors are:
My friend Laurie Hunter. She is an Emmy award-winning post production producer-turnedconsultant. She always encourages and challenges me to embrace my talent and business mind
alike. My mom has been a great teacher for me by her example of strength and courage to move
to a new country. My dad, for a being smart, fierce and excellent businessman. My grandma for
her quiet grace and my brother and sister-in-law for their endless selflessness and love.