Vanessa Smith is a digital technology executive with more than 25 years of experience across sales and go-to-market functions. Vanessa’s current role is President of ServiceNow.org, ServiceNow’s initiative to serve the global non-profit sector to leverage the power of technology to solve the world’s most challenging problems. In 2021, Vanessa was named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology by the National Diversity Council. She holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Commerce from the University of Virginia. Vanessa also serves on the board of technology firm, Fastly, and is a member of Jack and Jill of America and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Vanessa has served on the Teach For America - Greater Philadelphia regional advisory board for the past three years, chairing its Nominating and Governance Committee.

Vanessa succeeds outgoing Board Chair, Jamey Delaplane, Chief Communications Officer at Vanguard.

Anna Shurak, Executive Director of Teach For America Greater Philadelphia said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Jamey for his leadership, strategic counsel, and service over the last nine years. And the future is bright! I’m thrilled to welcome Vanessa as Chair and know she will bring fresh insights and innovation to our work in the City.  Teach For America has launched a bold goal that, by 2032, twice as many children in the Philadelphia communities we serve will be proficient in reading by the end of third grade. I know Vanessa’s leadership will help us realize that goal, in partnership with many others across the city.”

Vanessa Smith, Incoming Chair of Teach For America - Greater Philadelphia said:

“To me, education has always been the great equalizer. I am honored to serve alongside so many passionate and driven individuals to advance educational excellence and equity for all children in Philadelphia through Teach For America. I’m ready to get to work! My sincere thanks to Jamey for his leadership over the course of the last nine years and leaving a strong legacy of board leadership in service of TFA’s critically important mission.”

Vanessa will lead a distinguished group of board members for Teach For America - Greater Philadelphia who will usher in the organization’s 20^th anniversary in the upcoming school year. 

About Teach For America Greater Philadelphia:

Teach For America works toward the day when every child will receive an excellent and equitable education. We find and nurture leaders who commit to expanding opportunity for low-income students, beginning with at least two years teaching in a public school. Today, over 1,500 Teach For America corps members and alumni live and work in Greater Philadelphia. They serve at all levels of the system to realize the day when every child has an equal opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and co-create a future filled with possibility. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information visit teachforamerica.org or teachforamerica.org/greater-philadelphia and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.