Founder & Change Maker

Vanessa Ibarra

Vanessa is the former Executive Director for the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of International & Immigrant Affairs where she oversaw the City’s international strategy and global positioning, as well as expanding outreach efforts to improve the day-to-day lives of diverse communities in Atlanta. Under her leadership, the city strengthened ties with local, national, and international partners around diplomacy, trade, education, culture, sports, technology, foreign-born communities, and attracted international events.
 

Vanessa has participated in numerous international missions across the globe to further economic and diplomatic partnerships and to elevate Atlanta’s presence internationally. She has launched inaugural programs to support businesses in their international expansion, startups, and female entrepreneurs, and promoted a global campaign to empower women and young girls.Vanessa is a recipient of the French National Order of Merit with the rank of Knight from the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. She was recognized by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2022 and 2023 as one of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia and was part of Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business Class of 2022, 40 Under 40. She has served in multiple boards to promote economic opportunities, innovation, and inclusion of Atlanta's diverse communities.