Vanessa is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Whitley College. She brings a people-centred approach to her work. She is particularly interested in the point where organisations and their communities meet: understanding people, building relationships and finding thoughtful ways to strengthen reach and engagement.
Vanessa began her corporate career as a Business Analyst at KPMG before spending two years in the United Arab Emirates as Marketing Manager for an Emirati consumer finance company. Her work included developing and launching a credit card for UAE nationals, along with marketing and service development for a range of financial products. This included an exclusive concierge service supporting a diamond-encrusted, no-limit credit card designed for members of the Middle East’s royal and elite communities.
With children came a desire for greater flexibility, and Vanessa moved into contract and freelance work. She worked predominantly with start-ups and growing organisations, developing marketing strategy while also looking more broadly at how businesses could improve, adapt and better connect with their audiences. Her clients spanned retail, education, professional services, FMCG, health and wellness, construction, technology, government and the private sector. She enjoyed the variety of people and industries, as well as helping organisations navigate the rapidly developing world of digital marketing.
Creativity has also been a consistent thread throughout Vanessa’s life. She previously ran a bespoke jewellery business, designing and creating pieces for fashion businesses including Scanlan Theodore and independent boutiques across Melbourne. Her jewellery was also worn by celebrities for major events. Having a creative outlet remains important to her and is something she continues to nurture alongside her professional work.
More recently, Vanessa joined a Christian marketing agency, providing strategic marketing support to not-for-profit and Christian organisations. Whitley was one of her much-loved clients, and she quickly developed an affinity with the College, its people and its ethos. When an opportunity arose to join the Whitley team, she took it. Vanessa has now been part of Whitley for more than four years.
Outside work, Vanessa is a mum of four, with two teenage daughters and two primary school-aged sons. Family life is busy with sport, stage musicals, singing performances and everything in between. She is enjoying this particular season of life and watching her children grow into their own interests and personalities.
To relax, Vanessa loves to cook, listen to an eclectic range of music and create art. These are simple ways she continues to nurture the creative side of herself that has shaped both her work and life.