Vanessa Rodriguez

Vanessa Rodriguez is an experienced educational leader currently serving as Executive in Residence at Pahara Institute since July 2024. Prior to this role, Rodriguez was the Chief Executive Officer at NYC Outward Bound Schools from January 2022 to July 2024. Rodriguez has held various leadership positions at Citizens of the World Charter Schools, including Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Program Officer, as well as Chief of Talent and Leadership. Previous experience includes serving as Chief Talent Officer at Newark Public Schools and Chief Executive Officer of District 79 Alternative Schools and Programs within the NYC Department of Education, overseeing a significant number of alternative schools for underserved students. Additionally, Rodriguez was the Executive Director for NYC at New Leaders for New Schools and held various roles at Teach For America. Academic credentials include a BA in Education and Sociology from Boston College, earned between 1991 and 1995.