Vanessa McDowell-Atlas
Concord,NC
Summary
Vanessa McDowell-Atlas is a transformational leader, racial justice advocate, and founder with over 20 years of experience in executive leadership, organizational strategy, and community impact. She made history as the first Black woman CEO of YWCA Madison, leading an organization through strategic growth and cultural transformation. Currently COO at Black Girl Ventures, she drives operational excellence to empower women entrepreneurs. Vanessa is also the founder of VMA Entertainment & Consulting LLC, blending leadership coaching and DJ services, and Madison Roots LLC, focused on building generational wealth in the Black community. A sought-after speaker, she inspires action through purpose, equity, and innovation.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & CEO
VMA Entertainment & Consulting LLC
09.2024 - Current
- Provide DJ services and leadership coaching to empower individuals and organizations.
- Design and facilitate customized coaching sessions rooted in transformational leadership principles.
- Create engaging music experiences for events while promoting leadership growth.
- Manage business operations, client relationships, and service development.
Chief Operating Officer
Black Girl Ventures
02.2024 - Current
- Oversaw entire organization during CEO's three-month sabbatical.
- Managed day-to-day operations ensuring smooth workflows and goal achievement.
- Mentored team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Provided decisive leadership during organizational transitions.
- Planned and facilitated staff retreats to enhance team cohesion.
Founder
Madison Roots LLC
09.2020 - Current
- Committed to creating generational wealth in the Black community through homeownership initiatives and supporting Black-owned businesses.
- Develop strategic partnerships with local organizations to advance equity in economic development.
- Lead programs that empower Black families with financial literacy and resources to achieve homeownership.
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Madison
07.2017 - 02.2024
- First Black woman and woman of color to lead the organization in its 108-year history.
- Oversaw a $7.5 million budget and managed operations across two buildings.
- Built an internal culture of belonging and developed a strategic three-year plan.
- Created equitable pay structures and added positions for organizational strength.
- Implemented a coaching-based performance evaluation system.
- Led the organization through the pandemic without layoffs, increasing hiring and financial support.
- Received a $3 million unrestricted gift from Mackenzie Scott.
- Managed 70 staff members with 9 direct reports and nurtured diverse talent.
Interim Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Madison
01.2017 - 07.2017
- Oversaw a staff of 70 with 11 direct reports and a $4.8 million annual operating budget.
- Led strategic initiatives in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
- Spearheaded fund development planning and donor engagement.
- Represented the organization as a community leader on race and gender equity.
Chief Programs Officer
YWCA Madison
09.2015 - 12.2016
- Supervised client service programs in Housing, Employment Services, and Restorative Justice.
- Ensured programs were inclusive, effective, and culturally sensitive.
- Oversaw daily operations at the YWCA Empowerment Center.
Director of Support Services
YWCA Madison
09.2014 - 09.2015
- Managed support services for women and children residing at YWCA Madison.
- Directed children's programs and trained staff in trauma-informed care.
Lab Administrator
Wei LAB – UW
07.2013 - 08.2014
- Oversaw daily operations and budget planning for the Wisconsin Equity and Inclusion Laboratory.
- Played a key role in organizing the 2013 International Colloquium on Black Males in Education.
Executive Assistant to the Pastor
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
11.2004 - 07.2013
- Managed executive decisions and supervised church staff.
- Played a vital role in planning church events and expanding community outreach programs.
- Managed a budget of over $500,000 and oversaw ministry evaluations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI12-2003
Skills
- Organizational structuring
- Strategic planning
- Visionary leadership
- Project management
- Operations management
- Consulting
- Financial management
- Succession planning
- Board collaboration
- Leadership and people development
- Effective communicator and public speaker
- Budget planning
Accomplishments
- Recipient of the 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award (City of Madison and the County)
- Honored with the 2021 YWCA Local Association Excellence Award for Racial Justice
- Appointed to UW-Madison Board of Visitors for the Department of Sociology (2021)
- Recipient of the 2021 International Women's Day Trailblazer Award
- Appointed to the Wisconsin State Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion (2021)
- Appointed to UW-Madison Athletics Equity and Diversity Council (2020)
- Appointed to the Wisconsin State Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (2019)
- Honored as one of Madison's “40 under 40” by In Business magazine (2018)
- Member of Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent's HR Advisory Council (2017)
- Named one of the “35 Most Influential African Americans in Wisconsin” by Madison 365 (2017)
- Honored by Church Women United with the “Building Community” Award (2017)
- Selected as one of the “22 Women to Watch” by BRAVA magazine (2016)
- Participant in the 2015 Leadership Greater Madison Program
Timeline
Founder & CEO
VMA Entertainment & Consulting LLC
09.2024 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
Black Girl Ventures
02.2024 - Current
Founder
Madison Roots LLC
09.2020 - Current
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Madison
07.2017 - 02.2024
Interim Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Madison
01.2017 - 07.2017
Chief Programs Officer
YWCA Madison
09.2015 - 12.2016
Director of Support Services
YWCA Madison
09.2014 - 09.2015
Lab Administrator
Wei LAB – UW
07.2013 - 08.2014
Executive Assistant to the Pastor
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
11.2004 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Wisconsin, Madison
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