Vanessa Alvarez

Vanessa Alvarez is a die-hard Texas native. Born in San Antonio, and lived in Laredo, Texas for a few years where she met her husband, and then later moved to Michigan as a teen mom. Though she was 14 and pregnant, Vanessa was able to get married during her senior year of high school to her father’s son. The journey of being a mom at such a young age, opened the doors for Vanessa to become a teen pregnancy prevention speaker. This opportunity led Vanessa to speak at various schools from middle to high school, church youth groups, and multiple parent panels. She has also been fortunate to be a part of 3 church plants in West Michigan, hosted a radio program titled “Keeping it Real” and has many years of music ministry. When she is not working or traveling as the Community Church Engagement Rep at a local non-profit, or pursuing her M-Div, she can be found leading worship at local churches in West Michigan. Vanessa sees herself as a bridge-builder, a world traveler, and loves to encourage others in their walk with Christ. She is passionate about leadership development, racial reconciliation, and entrepreneurship. Vanessa resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband Rick of almost twenty years. She is mom to her son who is now a young adult and is raising her 12-year-old niece.