Vanessa joined UNDP Communications Unit through the African Union Commission and UNDP led African Young Women Leadership Fellowship programme, as 1 of 40 fellows in the second cohort, selected out of over 5200 applicants. As a Communications Specialist, Vanessa has contributed to the formulation and implementation of a communications and outreach strategy in support of CO visibility and resource mobilization efforts, with focus on quality written materials and clear messaging including through use of print. She also supports the elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan as well as support CO projects and events to boost visibility and business development. Additionally, she supports the management of the UNDP CO website and social media sites, and digital media monitoring, archiving and dissemination, and knowledge building and knowledge sharing for CO Staff and external groups. In her quest to learn and grow as a young African leader, she continues to work closely with colleagues across all programmes and operations units, determining ways that her skills and areas of interests can be merged to shape a holistic approach to development within the continent and its nations. She has experience in digital communication, content production, corporate and media writing, research, campaign development, social media management, job alignment, community management, event management, internal communications, and digital advocacy. 

Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Human Resources Management, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Communication Management and a Master of Philosophy in Strategic Communications Management, all from the University of Pretoria.