Our Staff

Growing up with a forest in her backyard and spending summers on the shores of Lake Huron, Vanessa built a connection with nature from an early age. With a background in international development, she noticed that so many of the issues she worked on were exacerbated by or tracked back to the human causes of climate change. Having worked with nonprofits, United Nations agencies, and think tanks, Vanessa brings a range of experience to managing the climate-focused grants at Environmental Defence. With a Masters in International Public Policy, Vanessa is determined to advocate for policies that safeguard clean water, clean air, and biodiversity. While not at work, you’ll find her hiking local trails, frequenting farmers markets, and exploring Algonquin Park.