Vanessa Henriquez
Bio
Vanessa Henriquez is a first-generation Latina, born and raised in Long Island, New York, to parents from El Salvador, where her connection to family and community was deeply rooted. Growing up, Vanessa witnessed firsthand the immigrant experience, her family often opened their home to newly arrived individuals, providing support and a place to start. These early experiences shaped her commitment to advocacy and service.
Vanessa holds an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Anne Arundel Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Joseph’s University, New York (Brooklyn), graduating with honors, magna cum laude. She has also been a licensed Real Estate Agent since April 2021 and was commissioned as a Notary Public in the state of Maryland in October 2025, further expanding her ability to serve her community.
While at St. Joseph’s University, Vanessa was a student-athlete on the NCAA Division III women’s soccer team, where she played as a left midfielder and starter. Her experience as a collegiate athlete reflects her discipline, resilience, and ability to perform in high-pressure environments.
Her professional background includes experience in property management and real estate, where she worked closely with Spanish-speaking clients. As a bilingual professional, Vanessa played a critical role in bridging communication gaps; translating contracts, guiding clients through the housing process, and helping families, including non-citizens, navigate complex real estate transactions while ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Through this work, she became increasingly aware of the systemic barriers that impact underserved communities, which ultimately inspired her transition into the legal field.
Vanessa currently supports immigration-related work with a strong focus on client communication and case support. Her long-term goal is to attend law school and become an attorney, where she hopes to continue advocating for marginalized communities and expanding access to justice.
Outside of her professional work, Vanessa enjoys ceramics, cooking, spending time with family and traveling, having visited five countries to date. She values cultural experiences and perspectives that continue to shape both her personal and professional approach