From Concurrent Enrollment to Communications Leader: Vanessa Vizard’s Journey of Determination and Purpose

When Vanessa Vizard first enrolled at Riverside City College, she was still in high school and facing challenges that would have caused many students to pause their education. Through concurrent enrollment, she took her first college courses at RCC while working to meet high school graduation requirements, marking the beginning of a journey shaped by determination, resilience, and purpose.

“I was very determined,” Vizard said. “I didn’t want to be a statistic.”

At the time, she was pregnant and balancing motherhood, school, and personal responsibilities. Despite these obstacles, she remained focused on graduating on time and continuing her education. RCC became her entry point into higher education, where she explored a range of subjects including psychology, chemistry, jazz appreciation, and computer science. These experiences helped her discover her interests and build confidence in her academic abilities.

Her path through higher education was not linear. After completing general education coursework, Vizard stepped away from school to work full time and raise her family. Like many students, she explored different career possibilities. She initially considered psychology and later biochemistry with aspirations of becoming a naturopathic doctor. As her life evolved and her responsibilities increased, she began to reconsider what direction would best align with her goals and circumstances.

That shift occurred when she began working for a nonprofit foster care organization, where she served in the corporate office supporting development and community outreach efforts. It was there that she discovered the power of communication and storytelling as tools for social impact.

“I had never really been introduced to nonprofits at a younger age,” she said. “I didn’t understand what a nonprofit was or how foster care organizations worked. That experience changed everything.”

While working in the nonprofit sector, Vizard co created a program called the Dream Tour, an initiative that took foster youth and students from group homes to Washington, D.C. and New York City on college tours. Students applied through an essay process, received mentorship, and were awarded scholarships to support their educational journeys. The program transformed the lives of participating students and also reshaped her own perspective.

“Here I am pushing this on them, and I didn’t have my college degree,” she reflected. “So I thought, I need to finish.”

Motivated by that realization and a desire to advance her career, Vizard returned to higher education and transferred to the University of Redlands, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business. The degree formalized the leadership and communication skills she had already developed through years of hands on experience.

Driven by her passion for storytelling and community impact, Vizard went on to launch her own communications agency. She began with public relations and gradually expanded into marketing and strategic communications. Unlike many professionals who follow traditional agency pathways, she built her company through direct experience and self funded growth.

“I sort of did it the other way,” she said. “I put my boots on, self funded, and just figured it out as I went.”

Today, she leads a purpose driven organization that partners with nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations to amplify resources and create meaningful change.

“We can’t solve all the problems of the world,” Vizard said, “but we can make an impact in our community.”

Her journey from concurrent enrollment student to business owner and community leader reflects the power of perseverance and adaptability. She credits her early experiences at RCC with helping shape her academic and professional path by providing space to explore, grow, and discover her strengths during a pivotal time in her life.

Now, as a mother of two daughters and one son, including a college graduate who plans to attend law school this fall, another who is pursuing higher education in Washington, D.C., and a son completing his senior year, Vizard sees her story as both personal and generational.

“You just never know where life can take you if you continue to pursue your dreams,” she said.

To students facing adversity, uncertainty, or fear about their future, her message is simple and clear.

“Just keep going. Take it one day at a time. Give yourself grace when you feel discouraged, but get back up and start again tomorrow.”

Vanessa Vizard’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and purpose. At Riverside City College, her journey began. Through determination and vision, it continues to inspire others who are navigating their own paths forward.