Vanessa Souza

Director of Community Engagement and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

I am thrilled to join the team as the Director of Community Engagement & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As an adopted multicultural daughter of immigrants, growing up in a large and diverse family has significantly shaped my understanding and passion for creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

My personal experiences, from a young age, have driven me to be a strong advocate for marginalized communities, particularly supporting my siblings with special needs. My early years fueled my commitment to fostering safe and brave spaces for meaningful conversations and promoting equity and inclusion.

In my new role, I will focus on integrating our DEI initiatives into all aspects of our work, fostering a culture of engagement, and ensuring that our mission reaches and empowers those in need. My career in the nonprofit sector has largely been dedicated to working with youth and families, promoting accessible and equitable education, and building inclusive workforce infrastructures.

I am excited to collaborate with the dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners of FSC. Together, we can continue to bridge divides and bring people together, furthering our goals of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

The generous and giving hearts of the volunteers and the local community fill me with a sense of wonderment and wholehearted appreciation every single day. I am excited for this new chapter working alongside the staff and volunteers at the Falmouth Service Center.