Her Story
About VANESSA
Vanessa Shimer serves as Senior Coordinator for Marketing and Communications at Shatterproof, a national nonprofit working on the addiction crisis in the United States. She joined the organization around 2020 after initially volunteering, motivated by the loss of her brother to substance use disorder in 2019. In her role, Shimer helps promote the organization's brand, spreads its message through social platforms, and develops awareness campaigns to amplify the voices of those who have lost loved ones, individuals in recovery, and affected families. With some college education focused on addiction-related studies, she contributes to framing public conversations that destigmatize addiction and emphasizes prevention efforts. Shimer attributes her drive to her brother, who remains her daily motivation, as well as her desire to ensure a better future for her children without the challenges of addiction.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with VANESSA
01What do you attribute your success to?
My brother. The loss of my brother. He is my why of every day. Also my kids and wanting a better future for them without these challenges.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To just ask. The worst thing that could come back is a no. Ask the curious questions.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Follow what feels right for them. If you feel it in your heart, and you feel good at the end of the day, and you feel like your work is not work, then that is important. Be passionate about your work.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Personally, the emotional connection and heavy grief centered around this disease. Professionally, there is so much more work to be done and such a message to push out. We can only do so much at one time.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Contributing to the impact around substance use disorder, helping frame conversations to destigmatize addiction, and making a better impact to help my kids' future by stopping addiction before it starts.
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