Assisting Students with Post-Graduate Opportunities

Meet Vanessa

Licensed School Counselor, over 25 years of rewarding service as a School Counselor and College Advisor, with the New York City Department of Education. Professional Certification as a College Admissions Specialist, School Career Development Advisor, and a Global Career Development Facilitator.

• Master of Science Degree, in Counselor Education at Queens College, C.U.N.Y.
• Bachelor of Arts Degree from York College, C.U.N.Y.
• Associate Degree in Applied Science from LaGuardia Community College., C.U.N.Y.
• Graduate of Hillcrest High School

I assisted students in grades 9-12 with academic advisement and intervention services. Also, assisted students with career exploration, college readiness and college advisement. Recognized by the Association of Black Educators of New York, during Women’s History Month, receiving an award honoring Women of Character, Courage and Commitment and I received recognition from the Office of the Superintendent, Queens High Schools for exceptional services to students.

Memberships

National Association for College Counseling (NACAC)
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
New York State School Counselor Association (NYSSCA)
National Career Development Association (NCDA)
New York State Career Development Association (NYSCDA)
New York City Chapter of the National Association of Black Military Women (NABMW)
United Federation of Teachers
Association of Black Educators of New York (ABENY)
Vital Church NYC
Queens Borough President Non-Profit Network
Queens Chamber of Commerce
National Action Network (NAN)
Zion Tabernacle Church Food Pantry – Volunteer & Community Liaison

February 1985, I joined the United States Air Force Reserves, becoming a member of the 49th and 35th Aerial Port Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. Although I had to take a leave of absence from my civilian job, twice to serve our country in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Desert Storm, it was still a rewarding part of my military career. As a supervisor in the air passenger service section and air terminal operations. Responsible for servicing military and commercial airline passengers with ticketing reservations, coordinating civilian passenger and troop airline manifests; while maintaining staff schedules, training records, and writing evaluations for promotion to the next rank. In addition to taking advantage of every educational opportunity, I received credits from the Community College of the Air Force, in Transportation Logistics and receiving my certification as a Travel Advisor. In 2005, after serving 20 years, I retired United States Airforce, having been blessed to travel extensively, working overseas and stateside.

Military Awards and Decorations Received:

Proclamation from Councilwoman S. Powers-Brooks and the NYC Council, 31st Dist. Queens, for my outstanding service and enduring contributions to the community, November 2022. Certificate of Recognition from New York State Senator, L. Comrie, for my military service in the United States Air Force, November 2017. Certificate of Appreciation for Services in The Armed Forces of the USA, signed by President Barack Obama, Commander in Chief., February 2008. Certificate of Retirement from US Air Force, February 2005. Certificate of Appreciation from Commander of 514 Mission Support Group in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, April 2004. Certificate of Appreciation in Support of the 437 Aerial Port Squadron during Operation Enduring Freedom, January 2004. Recognition for Exceptional Performance, 5th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron – Kuwait City International Airport, in support of Operation of Iraqi Freedom, November 2003. Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of outstanding support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, July 1991.
I received the following Medals: Outstanding Unit Award with one device, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with five devices, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one device. Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with three devices and an Air Force Training Ribbon.
I would I sum up my entire career by first, thanking God for all his blessings bestowed upon me, acknowledging my parents, especially my mother who always preached, “Don’t forget the bridge that brought you over.” I certainly did not accomplish my career journey alone; I stand on the shoulders of generations before me. As I start my nonprofit business, What’s Aspiring Me, Inc., I don’t want to forget to hold the door for those behind me.

A certified Global Career Development Facilitator, Career Development Specialist, College Admissions Specialist, and a certified School Career Development Advisor. Having 25 years of school counselor experience, I retired from the New York City Department of Education, July 2020. Started my non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, "What's Aspiring Me, Inc."

In addition to joining the New York chapter of National Association of Black Military Women, I am a member of Vital Church NYC, member of the American School Counselor Association, member of the Association of Black Educators of New York; where I received an award during March 2017 Women’s History Month honoring Women of Character, Courage and Commitment. A member of New York State School Counselor Association, New York State Career Development Association, National Career Development Association, a member of the National Action Network, a volunteer and Community Liaison every Tuesday at the Zion Tabernacle Church Food Pantry.