Emerging Leader with a Passion for Business & the Environment
by Alyssa Hamilton
November 18th 2020
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Vanessa was born and raised in Murrieta, California, and moved to Oregon in 2017 to attend Portland State University. She is pursuing a major in environmental studies with a minor in sustainability and geography, and will graduate in spring of 2021.
“I have always been passionate about the environment and curious about the effects humanity has on nature,” Vanessa shares.
During her freshman year, Vanessa got involved in the FLASH program, which led her to continue working at Campus Rec for the last three years. She was originally hired as an Office Assistant in the Administrative Office, and has expanded her portfolio from there. She was promoted to Business Operations Student Lead, and over the summer of 2020, was also hired to work as an Accounting Assistant for Campus Rec.
“My favorite thing about Campus Rec is the community and the compassion of my colleagues,” she explains. “Most people believe that Campus Rec focuses just on physical wellbeing, which is incorrect. It focuses on all levels of wellbeing, which include but is not limited to mental, spiritual, and occupational.”
Campus Rec has been fortunate to have Vanessa on our team for the last three years. She has taken significant strides to become a determined and firm leader. Her advice for others is to always stay mindful and cherish every moment. Congratulations on the VIP award, Vanessa!
Each year, Campus Rec gives out awards to outstanding student employees who have gone above and beyond. The VIP Award recognizes employees who are the backbone of Campus Rec. Vanessa won a VIP Award in the spring of 2020 for her determination and leadership while working at Campus Rec.