Vanessa is principal consultant at VSG Insights, where she helps organizations equip young people for success at school and life. For 13 years, she has designed, managed, and evaluated education and youth projects worldwide. Her experience includes a combined 7+ years with the OECD and UN and a senior leadership role at the social investment arm of a multibillion dollar organization. With projects and assignments spanning 23 countries, she has advised public and private organizations, governments and NGOs, and donors and funders.

Until 2012, Vanessa worked at the OECD. In education, she conducted research and evaluations, crafted policy advice, and created evidence-based tools on innovations and reforms in teaching and learning as well as career and technical education. At the local economic and employment development (LEED) program, she focused on workforce development, female entrepreneurship, and social innovation in Central and Eastern Europe. She has also worked at UN agencies, both in basic education across the Asia-Pacific region at UNESCO and in youth employment across West Africa at the sub-regional office in Senegal. 

After the OECD, Vanessa served as assistant vice president of education at the Singapore-based Chandler Corporation’s social investment arm. Responsible for measurement and teacher training, she worked with social enterprises in South and Southeast Asia to design, deliver, and determine the impact of innovative P-20 education programs. Most recently, Vanessa consulted with Education First, where she managed strategy and research projects and provided subject matter expertise and technical assistance to nonprofit and philanthropic clients around the US. 

Vanessa holds a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Sciences Po-Paris. She can be reached on Twitter @VSGersing.