Welcome our new Executive Director

Published by Program Manager on

Welcome our new Executive Director!

We are thrilled to introduce Vanessa Marie Ponce, the new Executive Director of the Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network (BIIN). With an unwavering commitment to social justice and community advocacy, Vanessa brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Her journey has been marked by a dedication to empowering marginalized voices and fostering inclusivity. As a dynamic leader, Vanessa is poised to guide BIIN in its mission to support our community’s immigrants. Join us in welcoming Vanessa to the BIIN family!

Born in College Station and raised in Bryan, Texas, where she attended and graduated from Bryan High School, Vanessa’s deep roots in the Brazos Valley have shaped her commitment to community service. She graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences, focusing on Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies. With a strong educational background and a dedication to uplifting those affected by trauma and injustice, Vanessa is passionate about empowering individuals to build lives they love. 

Vanessa’s journey in case management and social work showcases her unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of children and families, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. Her professional path began as a Caseworker for Adult Protective Services, where she honed her skills in navigating the complexities of social issues and advocating for vulnerable individuals. This foundation paved the way for her subsequent role as a CASA Supervisor at Voices for Children CASA, where she further advanced to become the Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Program Manager. In this position, Vanessa focused on fostering family connections and building robust support systems for children in crisis, demonstrating her commitment to creating lasting positive change. Continuing her mission, Vanessa joined MCH Family Outreach as a Case Manager, where she applied her expertise in trauma-informed advocacy and case management to uplift families in need. Her extensive experience has equipped her with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. 

For Vanessa, the Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network holds a special place in her heart. As the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, she has witnessed firsthand the strength, resilience, challenges, hope, and triumphs that define the immigrant experience. This background has profoundly shaped her identity and fueled her dedication to advocating for individuals striving for dignity, prosperity, and love in their new homeland. She carries this experience deeply within her and is eternally grateful for the risks her father took in pursuit of a better life as a young immigrant. Her education and opportunities are a direct result of her parents’ sacrifices, and she is committed to honoring their legacy by supporting others on similar journeys. 

Vanessa’s commitment to community service extends to her volunteer work with The Hispanic Forum of Bryan College Station, where she has served as a member for nearly four years. Vanessa has supported the Hispanic Forum’s efforts to invest in our community’s future by investing in our children’s higher education. 

Beyond her professional commitments, Vanessa is a devout parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan and enjoys her free time engaging in various hobbies; which reflect her vibrant personality. A talented pianist and singer, she especially loves choral music, where she can connect with others through the shared language of melody and harmony. Additionally, she is an avid sports fan who enjoys watching and cheering for her favorite team which include her alma mater Texas Tech, the Houston Astros, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Stars, and Dallas Mavericks. While she champions her Dallas teams, her loyalty to the Astros means she doesn’t share the same affection for the Texas Rangers! Her passion for sports extends to tennis, which she loves to play – enjoying both the competitive spirit and the social interaction it provides. And of course, as a social butterfly, Vanessa loves spending time with her fiancé, family, and many friends. 

Eager to strengthen BIIN’s impact, Vanessa is committed to building collaborative partnerships that amplify awareness of the vital services the organization provides. By leveraging her expertise in fundraising, outreach, strategic planning, and local insight she aims to enhance existing programs and develop innovative new initiatives and partnerships. With Vanessa at the helm, BIIN is set to continue its essential work in advocating for and uplifting the diverse immigrant community of the Brazos Valley. 

Join us in welcoming her to BIIN, where she will undoubtedly make an indelible impact, one smile at a time! 

Categories: Faces of BIIN