Venessa Marks

Venessa Marks has a diverse work experience spanning various organizations and roles. Venessa began their career as a Direct Services Coordinator at the Portland Women's Crisis Line in 2002. In 2005, they worked as a Research Assistant at the Center for American Progress before joining MacNeil/Lehrer Productions as a Researcher/Journalist in 2006.

In 2007, Venessa became the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Dare Mighty Things and held the position until 2011. Venessa then served as the Vice President of the Fellows Program at New York Needs You from 2011 to 2013. Following this, they worked as the Vice President of Research, Innovation & Growth at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America from 2013 to 2015.

Venessa subsequently joined ICF as a Senior Manager from 2015 to 2017. At ICF, they were responsible for senior-level management. Their most recent work experience is with the KIPP Foundation, where they have held various roles since 2017. Venessa started as the Director of College Completion, then became the Senior Director of Postsecondary Success & Innovation, and is currently the Senior Director of Initiative Design.

Throughout their career, Venessa has demonstrated expertise in program development, partnership building, and research.

Venessa Marks completed their Bachelor of Arts degree in Gender & Feminist Studies and Religious Studies at Pitzer College from 1998 to 2002. Venessa then pursued a Master of Arts degree in History of Religion at the University of Chicago from 2003 to 2005.