Vanessa Monique Liles is a community organizer in Bridgeport, CT, working with low-income public housing residents through PT Partners to challenge systemic racism and support grassroots organizing. She consults with nonprofits on diversity, equity, and inclusion and holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Urban Education from Texas A&M University. Her research centers on race, community, and education policy using Participatory Action Research. Vanessa also holds degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Bridgeport and has experience in youth programming and violence prevention. She serves on local and regional boards and is active in academic and community organizations.
