She joins TEACHAPALOOZA to lead a session on how journalists (and journalism educators) and use Google mapping tools and interactive photo tools to tell more compelling stories. Vanessa says, “My focus is on education and outreach, helping journalists to better understand how to use tools such as Google My Maps, the Google Maps API, Fusion Tables, Google Earth, Street View and much more.”

Vanessa coordinates media outreach efforts as a program manager for Google’s Geo organization. She works closely with media professionals around the world using Google Maps and Google Earth for research and storytelling. Previously, Vanessa worked at The New York Times, Time Inc., and at New York startup Hot Potato, acquired by Facebook in 2010. Vanessa earned bachelor's degrees in both Journalism and Culture and Communication from Ithaca College.