Vanesa Iñiguez (she/her/ella) is a dedicated first-generation environmental professional born and raised in South LA. She earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography from Dartmouth College and her MSc. in Environment, Politics, and Society from University College London (UCL). Her research has centered around the intersection of socio-ecological systems, emphasizing environmental justice and access for disadvantaged communities.   

Prior to joining T.R.U.ST. South LA, Vanesa served as the South LA Eco-Lab Program Manager at SLATE-Z, where she oversaw a $35 million Transformative Climate Communities Grant administered by the CA Strategic Growth Council. In that role, she was able to build & maintain external partnerships to leverage the South LA Eco-Lab and bring additional investment in South LA. Additionally, she worked closely with the community of South LA to facilitate invaluable community meetings and events to deepen community’s engagement and commitment to urban greening and mobility solutions.  

In her role at T.R.U.S.T. South LA, Vanesa will further her efforts with the South LA Eco-Lab to achieve the community’s vision for a socially inclusive, sustainable, and green community that is resilient to climate change. She is committed to leveraging her skills to drive impactful climate solutions and equitable urban development and further T.R.U.S.T. South LA’s misson to build awareness and community leadership in issues of housing, transportation and recreation and to create programs and initiatives that encourage community building and economic opportunity.