VANESSA HSIA
Vanessa is a storyteller and comms strategist based in New York City. In the past five years, she has worked across social impact, non-profit and political communications spaces. Prior to joining TASC, Vanessa led PR strategy for Sesame Workshop’s U.S. Social Impact initiatives, ensuring resources on racial justice and autism acceptance effectively reach families across the country.
Vanessa received her Bachelors of Arts in French and international studies from the University of California Irvine and considers both California and Taiwan her home. In her spare time, Vanessa is a writer and amateur analog photographer; she is particularly interested in memories from the Chinese diaspora and storytelling as a means for collective liberation.
What do you love most about working in public relations?
I love being a part of shaping the news and informing public opinion. I see language as an imperfect, ever evolving and powerful tool for changemaking.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love walking around the city with my camera, a good book and a coffee.
What is your favorite part about living in New York City?
The ability to live slowly while the city moves quickly. There’s always something new to try, interesting strangers to meet — and you’re able to do it all on your own terms, at your own pace.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Soondubu jjigae.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Others’ perceptions of you are not for you to carry.