Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, CA, Dr. Vanessa Marie Bustamante is a self-identified first-generation, bilingual, queer Xicana sCHOLAr, who has has a deep-rooted appreciation for community involvement, engagement and advocacy. Known as the Homegirl Doctora, Vanessa serves as a motivational speaker, trainer, and workshop presenter. She presents on topics such as motivation, persistence, access, identity development, barrio empowerment, cultural capital, and cultural validity. Vanessa’s passion for social justice, inclusion, advocacy, and identity development stem from her lived experience, research and work with students at various institutions.

Vanessa has published research on student involvement and organizations created by/for students of color and has also received various recognitions for having served as an advisor to students, most notably the Latina Leadership Network of the California Community Colleges “2020 Madrina Award” and AFLV-West “2018 Outstanding Fraternity/Sorority Professional Award”. She attended California State University, Northridge where she earned her Bachelor’s in Chicanx Studies and Communication Studies and Masters in Higher Education Administration. In May of 2018, Vanessa earned her Doctorate of Higher Education Leadership from the University of Southern California.