Vanessa K. Corrêa joined the Foundation in 2020 as chief communications officer.  Ensuring consistency, coherence and impact, she provides strategic direction for and drives execution of the Foundation's brand, marketing and communications. 

Previously, Ms. Corrêa served as the chief brand officer for the University of California, where she led the conceptualization, development, and implementation of the UC's first systemwide brand platform coupled with building a cross-functional and nationally recognized marketing communications team.  While at UC, she also spearheaded large-scale integrated marketing, advocacy, and communications programs, while providing strategy and counsel across the organization. 

In prior years, she held a variety of leadership roles including founding a boutique agency with clients such as the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, the Poetry Foundation, and Northwestern University, as well as serving as vice president of a Chicago-based public affairs and strategic communications agency.  In addition to large-scale communications strategy and brand development, she conceived and designed a critically-acclaimed sustainably made fine jewelry line.  Her social media profile includes over half a million followers on Pinterest.  On that platform, she has collaborated with brands such as Moda Operandi and 1stDibs.

Her award-winning work has been recognized by AIGA, PRSA, CASE, and others, and featured in Fast Company, Town & Country, Elle, Print, W, 99% Invisible, WWD, Creative Review, Marie Claire, Vogue.com, Harper's Bazaar, and more.