I never thought that my love for culture and knowledge would allow me to connect a whole community. My name is Vanessa Vargas and I am the managing partner for Latino News, LLC the first Spanish newspaper in Alabama that covers over 13 counties. With over 16 years of experience, I specialize in creating marketing campaigns for organizations to succeed when reaching the Latino population via print and digital platforms. Besides the marketing aspect, as a business owner I manage and oversee the company’s administrative, financial and day to day operations.
As a Colombian-American and active community member , my daily life does not just consist in delivering news in Spanish, but it involves empowering both the English- speaking and Latino community in Alabama through education, access, and resources. I teach individuals how to navigate within the Spanish speaking community when wanting to create awareness or brand growth. Education does not always come from books, it comes from engaging people. Every day, I am a connector who creates more inclusiveness for the Latino community. Latinos make up more than 5% of the state of Alabama and their voice should be heard because this minority faces barriers such as language access, poverty, education access, or other social issues. I make a positive impact in my community by connecting them to organizations that focus and bring support on each of those areas. For me, it is a matter of creating the opportunity and narrowing the gap of language and fear that my community faces.
I am an active community volunteer on organizations like Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!), UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center; Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, FBI Citizens Alumni Association, SHORT the Squirrel, Fiesta, Hispanic Catholic Social Services of North Alabama “La Casita”, & Bare Hands Inc.
I hold a BA in Human Resource Management and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Go BLAZERS!
When I am not out there making connections, I am enjoying my free time by traveling, reading, listening to music, dancing, eating, & exercising.
Alabama Women Leading Government 