Her Story
About Vanessa
Vanessa Guerrero began her career with a first job at McDonald's before spending more than 15 years in the banking industry, where she focused on customer care. Seeking greater community involvement, she transitioned two years ago to the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha, Nebraska. In her current role within the nonprofit sector, Guerrero assists individuals facing hardship by guiding them through applications for SNAP and EDT benefits and identifying emergency resources such as food pantries. She also participates in outreach events to inform community members about available support. Guerrero is proud of her determination to help others and her ability to connect people with needed assistance. She attributes her professional success to her family, her four children, her coworkers, and the individuals she serves. Her former boss, Luis Barber, advised her to take challenges one day at a time and expressed strong belief in her abilities. Guerrero values honesty and respect, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone as one would like to be treated. She advises young women entering the workforce to follow their hearts and pursue work they love so that it does not feel burdensome.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vanessa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I feel like I would attribute my success to my family, my kids, the people that I work with, and the people that I help.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My former boss Luis Barber always told me to take it one day at a time and believed in me so much.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take it one day at a time and go where your heart tells you. Find within your heart what you're meant to be, whether it's helping people or teaching, so it doesn't feel heavy.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenges are all the changes that have been happening lately, with people losing benefits, and finding other ways of assisting like pantries or resources. There's so much need in the community but it gets us ready to reach out more, even to small towns.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and respect. Treating everyone how you want to be treated.
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