Vanessa Perez, MBA, CPRW

Much of what I have been able to accomplish in my life is rooted in my faith. My Christian faith has been the foundation that has sustained me through some of the most challenging periods of my life. Growing up in poverty, becoming a mother at sixteen, and navigating many personal and professional obstacles required a level of resilience that I truly believe was strengthened by my relationship with God.

My faith has instilled in me values such as perseverance, humility, compassion, and service to others. Those values continue to guide the work I do today, particularly in supporting individuals who may feel discouraged or limited by their circumstances. My goal has always been to use the opportunities I have been given to help others recognize their own potential and build better futures for themselves and their families.

Faith has also taught me to remain grateful, even during difficult seasons, and to view challenges as opportunities for growth. It reminds me that success is not measured solely by personal achievement, but by the impact we have on others.

Ultimately, I attribute my success not only to hard work and education, but to the guidance, strength, and perspective that my faith has provided throughout my journey.

One of the most valuable pieces of career advice I’ve ever received was to focus less on titles and more on purpose. Early in my career, someone told me that if you commit yourself to meaningful work and serve others well, the opportunities and recognition will eventually follow.

That perspective stayed with me, especially during times when the path forward wasn’t clear. Rather than chasing positions or external validation, I’ve tried to focus on making a genuine impact in the lives of the people I serve. In my field, that means helping individuals who face significant barriers—whether they are first-generation college students, adult learners, veterans, or individuals rebuilding their lives—develop the confidence and skills needed to pursue meaningful careers.

I’ve learned that when your work is rooted in purpose and service, success tends to take care of itself. Titles may change throughout a career, but the ability to positively influence someone’s future is something that lasts far longer.

My advice would be to remain committed to your purpose, even when the path becomes difficult. Careers that focus on helping others—whether in education, workforce development, or public service—can be incredibly meaningful, but they also require resilience, patience, and a willingness to continue growing.

I would also encourage young women to invest in their education and personal development. Knowledge, preparation, and discipline create opportunities, and those tools allow you to advocate not only for yourself but for the communities you serve.

Most importantly, do not allow your background or circumstances to define your future. Many of the individuals I work with, including myself, have faced significant obstacles along the way. What matters most is your willingness to continue moving forward, to learn from every experience, and to stay grounded in your values.

If you remain committed to integrity, compassion, and service to others, you will build a career that does more than advance your own success—you will create opportunities and open doors for those who come after you.

One of the biggest challenges in workforce development and higher education today is the disconnect between education and the practical skills employers expect from graduates. Many students complete their degrees without the professional experience or career readiness preparation needed to confidently transition into the workforce.

At the same time, many nontraditional learners—including adult students, first-generation college students, veterans, and individuals returning to education later in life—are balancing school with work, family, and financial responsibilities. These realities can make persistence and completion significantly more difficult.

However, these challenges also present an opportunity. Institutions and employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of stronger partnerships that better align education with real-world workforce preparation. By creating more practical, flexible, and inclusive pathways to career success, we can help ensure that talent and potential—not circumstance—determine a person’s opportunities.

The values that guide both my personal and professional life are faith, integrity, perseverance, and service to others. My Christian faith has shaped how I approach challenges, relationships, and the work I do every day. It reminds me to lead with humility, treat people with compassion, and remain grateful even during difficult seasons.

Integrity is also extremely important to me. I believe in being honest, accountable, and consistent in both my actions and decisions. Whether I’m working with students, colleagues, or my own family, I strive to ensure that my words and actions reflect the values I believe in.

Finally, service to others is at the center of the work I do. Much of my career has been dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers and pursue opportunities they may not have believed were possible. Being able to support others in building better futures for themselves and their families is something I consider both a responsibility and a privilege.