Get to know us
The Team
Vanessa Johnson
Vanessa Johnson is a remarkable woman who has experienced healing, restoration, and personal growth through her faith. she possess and unwavering determination to overcome any obstacles she encounters. vanessa’s spirit radiates fearlessness, ambition, confidence, and a deep commitment to supporting others, particularly the youth.
As a mother of four, Vanessa understands the importance of nurturing and empowering future generations. Hailing from Brooklyn, she is deeply rooted in the community she calls home. Vanessa is driven by her desire to bring about positive change in the very neighborhoods she walks through everyday. She tirelessly works to mend communities and restore families, believing in her inherent strength and potential.
Advocating for the youth is at the heart of Vanessa’s life journey. She believes in the power of her voice, recognizing its ability to leave a lasting impact on those who listen. Her dedication to guiding, creating, and manifesting opportunities for young individuals is unparalleled. Vanessa understands that her own growth is a continuous process, and she is committed to learning and evolving along the way.
In every interaction, Vanessa strives to sow seeds of knowledge and empowerment. She is a passionate advocate for personal and community transformation. Vanessa’s energy and presence inspire those around her, as she passionately endeavors to make a difference in the lives of others.
Christopher J. Smith
At Nyack College, Chris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration
with a concentration in marketing. He completed graduate-level coursework also at
Nyack in the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program, which sparked
his pursuit of event planning and public relations.
His higher education experience was key to his interest in leadership. With a passion for
networking and connecting people to resources, Chris worked as a Student Engagement
Director for his alma mater following graduation. At the City University of New York, he
was an advisor for the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). His
most recent role was Manager of Advancement & Alumni Relations at Alliance
University.
Chris also worked as the Manager of Corporate Engagement & Relations for NAF
(National Academy Finance), a CTE Business Teacher at the Business of Sports School
for the NYC DOE, a Senior Program Manager of College Success at the NYC nonprofit
iMentor; and was Managing Director of enrollment and community relations for the
Brooklyn United Music & Arts Program. Chris is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff to
New York Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman.
Serving others has been his second nature for as long as he can remember. As an
ordained minister, Chris enjoys that sweet spot as Executive Administrator to the Senior
Pastor, Director of Operations and Communications at Alliance Tabernacle, formerly
Clarendon Road Church in Brooklyn—the borough where he was born and raised and
continues to be a proud resident.
The consummate “people person,” he is an organizer and collaborator with a proven
track record that shows his passion for being a bridge-builder, and he has a new
opportunity to be a connector.