A Mission-Driven Journey
Vanessa Figg, Founder & CEO
With over 20 years of leadership in nonprofit marketing and communications, Vanessa has a proven track record of transforming organizations by building integrated marketing communications departments from the ground up. In other words, she’s the go-to expert organizations bring in to design and implement a thoughtful, strategic marketing plan—and the internal infrastructure—to elevate their brand and mission to the next level.
As a client, you’ll benefit from Vanessa’s vast experience in aligning marketing strategies with organizational vision. But it doesn’t stop at planning—Vanessa has spent decades building the customized systems, processes, and communication channels (both internal and external) that ensure long-term success.
She’s done it all—from strategic planning and branding to media relations, digital marketing, and team leadership—and she knows exactly what it takes to meet ambitious goals and grow impact.
Your Organization's "Backpocket" Marketing Pro
With experience rebranding three organizations of varying sizes and building brands from scratch, Vanessa brings a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution. Often operating as a “one-woman show,” she not only sets the direction but also dives in to bring brands to life—developing everything needed for success.
As a client, you gain access to a one-stop solution for your marketing needs. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive, integrated marketing communications plan or need someone to enhance your public relations or social media presence, Vanessa delivers. She’s known for rolling up her sleeves and tackling critical projects that internal teams may not have the time or resources to manage.
No dedicated marketing, communications, PR, or social media staff? No problem. With decades of experience, Vanessa can step in and lead or support your efforts—from crafting strategy to executing the details. Marketing strategy and implementation are her expertise. That includes writing and scheduling email marketing campaigns, managing social media content, drafting press releases, updating website copy, photographing events, and more.
With Vanessa, you’re not just hiring a consultant—you’re gaining a committed partner focused on achieving your goals.
Career Highlights & Education
Vanessa began her career at a large, integrated healthcare system in New York City, Metropolitan Jewish Health System, where she was first inspired to pursue a lifelong mission of helping others after shadowing a hospice nurse for a feature article. This moment ignited her passion for meaningful work—one that would guide her across industries and states.
After relocating to Missouri, Vanessa joined a nonprofit county medical center, Western Missouri Medical Center, where her purpose deepened after working alongside a multitude of passionate, healthcare professionals. She rebranded the hospital, significantly elevating consumer perception, increasing both inpatient and outpatient market share, and reinforcing the hospital’s community value.
Vanessa later transitioned into higher education, leading a successful rebrand for the UCM Alumni Foundation. She led all branding and communication efforts focused on increasing alumni engagement and philanthropic gifts from over 100,000 constituents. From there, Vanessa joined a national membership organization, United Soccer Coaches, where she developed and implemented integrated marketing campaigns and a strategic editorial calendar supporting the association’s most critical programs.
Recruited next to transform a small nonprofit, Down Syndrome Innovations, Vanessa once again led a full-scale rebrand—this time as Vice President of Marketing. She set strategy, built brand architecture from the ground up, and led marketing and communications initiatives across multiple platforms: four websites, five monthly newsletters, quarterly KPI reports, and five active social media channels. During her tenure, Vanessa built an award-winning marketing and communications program. In fact, for three years in a row her department's in-house projects won Philly Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in nonprofit marketing, communications, and fundraising in the Kansas City region. In 2022, her rebrand rollout plan and marketing assets earned the organization's first Philly Award. In 2023 they earned another Philly Award and again, in 2024, they earned TWO more Philly Awards. A true leader not afraid to wear "many hats," Vanessa combined high-level strategy with hands-on execution and award-winning results.
Why does this matter? Because after more than 20 years of driving success for one organization at a time, Vanessa realized she could make a greater impact by helping many at once. Today, she brings her experience, energy, and expertise to amplify missions, elevate brands, and ultimately reach and help more people than ever before. Her career dream... fully realized.
Vanessa holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Spanish from Villanova University, and a master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Central Missouri.