Meet Vanessa Chaviano | Business Operations & Marketing Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Chaviano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be the long-lasting impact of my nonprofit organization in providing scholarship opportunities to local high school graduates and post-graduates for college and vocational studies; it reflects my commitment to education and empowering young individuals in my community. My desire to create educational opportunities demonstrates a dedication to improving the lives of others and helping them achieve their goals.

In addition to my nonprofit work, I want to be remembered for my impact and dedication to my family and community through my involvement in local nonprofit organizations and their Board of Directors. I value the well-being of my loved ones and the overall betterment of my community.

Overall, my desired legacy encompasses making a lasting impact through education and empowering others while also being a dedicated family member and community servant. I hope to be remembered for my contributions in these areas, leaving behind a legacy of positive change, support, and service.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my overall professional experience and education. I didn’t go to school for anything related to marketing or advertising. I actually wanted to go into the FBI and be a Special Agent, so my background is in Criminal Justice and Criminal Forensics. I went back to pursue my MBA to be more aligned.

What are you most proud of or excited about?

I’m excited about my nonprofit (Leading Latina Inc) and our impact in such a short time.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Hard work, dedication, and accepting every opportunity that has come my way. Whether I believe I am capable or not, I say yes and figure it out. Nothing in life worth having is handed to you – you have to earn it. If it’s easy, then I believe that’s life giving you what’s meant for you.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Don’t take anything personally.
Ask questions and clarify when you don’t understand.
Others’ opinions of you are not your business.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I’m so happy to live this life and honored to have received the opportunities I’ve been given. I hope I’ve used my skills for everything I was meant to accomplish while I’m here.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friends were visiting Cape Coral, where I live, I would take them to….

Eat – 10 TWENTY FIVE, Point 57 Kitchen, Fish Tale Grill
Visit with Kids- Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park
Hang Out with Adults – TJ’s Hatchet Hangout, Shoot Center

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, this list is pretty long to be quite honest. I’ve been fortunate to have some pretty amazing people in my life who have played a significant role in my life, personally and professionally.

Personally – I have a fantastic family support system. My husband holds down everything on the home front, so externally, it can look like I “do it all.” I couldn’t accomplish everything without him juggling and picking up my slack. My mom and siblings are also crucial players. We can sit in a room together all day, crack jokes, and laugh. My best friend Renee is an all-around excellent human- my rainbow and butterflies. She and I went through some pretty low times together and learned so much about who we are as people. She will call me when needed but also reminds me of “who I am” when I can’t see it.

Professionally – I’ve worked in a predominately male industry (automotive) and have worked with great mentors (Doug Keim & Erica Danford) and incredibly talented team members (Justin, Kyle, Juliana, and many more!)

I’m so fortunate and blessed.

Website: www.vanessachaviano.com

Instagram: vanessachaviano

Facebook: Vanessa Chaviano