Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Community Service
Certifications And Specialized Training
Timeline
Generic

Vanessa Brown

Columbia,SC

Summary

Executive leader with over 25 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit management, and business development. Demonstrated expertise in organizational leadership, program implementation, and fundraising. Successfully launched and expanded nonprofit organizations while establishing partnerships with government and corporate entities. Skilled in creating sustainable structures and engaging diverse stakeholders to drive community empowerment initiatives.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder & Principal Consultant

SheSpace (Vanessa's She Space)
Columbia, SC
01.2021 - Current
  • Build and manage a multi-service ecosystem providing consulting, leadership development, event planning, and legal documentation services.
  • Create and facilitate leadership retreats, workshops, and empowerment programs for women and youth.
  • Deliver notary and loan-signing services for individuals and businesses.
  • Lead brand-building initiatives integrating community engagement, entrepreneurship, and holistic wellness.

Founder & Executive Director

Fight to Speak: The Anthony Eric Brown Sr. Organization for Survivors of Childhood Molestation, Sexual Assault & Trauma
Columbia, SC
01.2020 - Current
  • Founded and lead a nonprofit organization in memory of brother to support survivors of trauma, sexual assault, and suicide loss.
  • Plan and execute annual events for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, engaging community partners including the SC Department of Mental Health, LARADAC, and AFSP.
  • Oversee organizational operations including bylaws, program design, volunteer management, and compliance.
  • Develop partnerships with state and local agencies to expand outreach, secure sponsorships, and deliver mental health resources.
  • Coordinate event logistics including catering, mental health resource dissemination, and speaker engagement.

Founder & Business Development Consultant

Village Base Sports & Entertainment Management
Columbia, SC
01.2019 - Current
  • Provide artist management, event planning, and catering services for community and entertainment events.
  • Design and facilitate youth leadership and team-building workshops, promoting skill development and personal growth.
  • Deliver document preparation and paralegal services, including contracts, filings, and compliance documents.
  • Manage large-scale catering operations, providing banquet-style food service for organizational and private events.
  • Advise clients on branding, strategic planning, and sustainable business practices.

Co-Founder

Junior Buffalo Soldier Leadership Academy
Columbia, SC
01.2005 - Current
  • Developed youth leadership curriculum including equine therapy, handbooks, and bylaws.
  • Partnered with Allen University S.T.E.M. program to conduct campus-based leadership training.

Director, Office of Student Life

Midlands Technical College
Columbia, SC
01.2007 - 01.2021
  • Directed daily operations for student life at a multi-campus institution serving over 40,000 students annually.
  • Supervised professional and support staff, student advisors, and committees.
  • Oversaw multimillion-dollar budgets, procurement, and sponsorship development.
  • Designed and evaluated leadership workshops, specialty programs, and student activities.
  • Built strong institutional and community partnerships to support student engagement.

Director

Destiny Bible College
Columbia, SC
01.2013 - 01.2018
  • Co-founded and launched accredited Bible college, overseeing startup operations including tuition schedules, accreditation self-study, and student support systems.
  • Implemented cloud-based data management and secure payment systems.

Student Services Program Coordinator II

Midlands Technical College
Columbia, California
08.2000 - 02.2007

Coordinated campus-wide programs for all enrolled students to encourage active participation.

Guided student clubs and organizations, including the Student Advisory Board, with strategic support.

Maintained budgets for 20 student activities, ensuring financial stability and resource allocation.

  • Managed content for the Student Activities web page and online student newspaper to engage community.
  • Operated electronic ID system to verify enrollment of all college students efficiently.
  • Facilitated collaboration between college and local entities for specialty program planning.
  • Trained and supervised student personnel, enhancing operational effectiveness of the Student Activities Fund Committee.

Student Services Program Coordinator I

Midlands Technical College
Columbia, California
07.1997 - 08.2000

Facilitated campus-wide programs and diverse activities to enhance student engagement.
Oversaw budget management for all student programs to maximize resource efficiency.
Contributed to content creation for student newspaper widely circulated on campus.
Administered electronic ID system for reliable identification of enrolled students.
Conducted training and evaluations of student personnel, including Student Activities Fund Committee members.

Program Assistant

Midlands Technical College
Columbia, California
09.1996 - 07.1997

Developed and initiated engaging student activities on campus.
Maintained up-to-date FRS account for student activities.
Supervised and scheduled student personnel hours and assignments.
Established an effective filing system to organize all program records.
Performed various administrative duties, including document preparation and mailing.

Education

Certificate - Paralegal Studies

Midlands Technical College
Columbia, SC
05-2021

Associate - Biblical Studies

Destiny Bible College
Columbia, SC
01.2014

Master of Education - Student Personnel Services

University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
08-2001

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Clemson University
Clemson, SC
08-1994

Skills

  • Nonprofit leadership
  • Program development
  • Strategic planning
  • Organizational development
  • Event planning
  • Fundraising and grant writing
  • Business development and consulting
  • Staff and volunteer training
  • Team building
  • Partnership management
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Higher education leadership
  • Curriculum design
  • Paralegal support
  • Document preparation
  • Budgeting and financial oversight

Community Service

  • Vice President, Eau Claire High School Class of 1989, Inc., 01/01/10, Present
  • Treasurer, Widows in Need, 01/01/09, Present
  • Treasurer, Passion 2 Pay Project, 01/01/16, 01/01/20

Certifications And Specialized Training

  • Legal Research Certificate - Westlaw Fundamentals for Paralegals, 01/01/19
  • LexisNexis Certificate of Mastery, 01/01/19
  • Certified Trainer - Conflict Manager/Peer Mediation, 01/01/09
  • Certified Instructor - PTK Leadership Development Studies, 01/01/06
  • Supervisory Certificate Program - Midlands Technical College, 01/01/07

Timeline

Founder & Principal Consultant

SheSpace (Vanessa's She Space)
01.2021 - Current

Founder & Executive Director

Fight to Speak: The Anthony Eric Brown Sr. Organization for Survivors of Childhood Molestation, Sexual Assault & Trauma
01.2020 - Current

Founder & Business Development Consultant

Village Base Sports & Entertainment Management
01.2019 - Current

Director

Destiny Bible College
01.2013 - 01.2018

Director, Office of Student Life

Midlands Technical College
01.2007 - 01.2021

Co-Founder

Junior Buffalo Soldier Leadership Academy
01.2005 - Current

Student Services Program Coordinator II

Midlands Technical College
08.2000 - 02.2007

Student Services Program Coordinator I

Midlands Technical College
07.1997 - 08.2000

Program Assistant

Midlands Technical College
09.1996 - 07.1997

Certificate - Paralegal Studies

Midlands Technical College

Associate - Biblical Studies

Destiny Bible College

Master of Education - Student Personnel Services

University of South Carolina

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Clemson University