Vanessa Serrano

vanessa.serrano@lacity.org
Director, Field Operations
Executive Leadership Division

Vanessa Serrano is the Director of Field Operations for EmpowerLA, which supports Los Angeles’ 99 Neighborhood Councils in strengthening civic participation and ensuring government remains responsive to local needs. Since joining EmpowerLA in 2017, she has held key leadership roles, including Neighborhood Empowerment Advocate, Director of Civic Leadership, and Interim General Manager. In her current role, she supports the Department General Manager in overseeing Neighborhood Council field operations, coordinating programs, and preparing reports and presentations for City Council and its committees. Vanessa’s passion for civic engagement began even earlier as a board member of the Pacoima Neighborhood Council, where she served as Secretary, Vice President, and President.

With over a decade of experience in the Neighborhood Council system, Vanessa is dedicated to empowering communities and championing civic participation. She believes in the power of representation and that government works best when all voices are heard. Her expertise extends beyond government engagement. As a Program Department Analyst at AbilityFirst, Vanessa worked alongside leadership and the Board of Directors to enhance policy training, manage crisis incident data, and lead risk management initiatives. Previously, as a Case Manager, she developed community-based volunteer programs to help clients build job skills, and contributed to strategic planning efforts. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Specialized Services Case Worker at Maximus, supporting individuals facing domestic violence, mental health challenges, and substance abuse in overcoming employment barriers.

Vanessa holds a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, and a Bachelor’s in Political Science with a concentration in Leadership and Women’s Studies from Mount St. Mary’s University.

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