Vanessa Reynolds, Ed.D. is a first-generation college graduate from Southwest Detroit. A leader with more than twenty years of experience in college admissions and enrollment management. Committed to fostering equity in educational achievement for the state of Michigan, Dr. Reynolds has dedicated herself as a higher education advocate. She currently serves as the Director of College Admissions and Success for the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative (MiHC), a nonprofit organization focused on breaking the cycle of Hispanic poverty through education and early career program support. In her role, Dr. Reynolds supports MiHC’s mission of enhancing Hispanic student career attainment through increasing College Access, fostering College Success, and building Early Career/Young professional pipelines. Dr. Reynolds is responsible for developing and maintaining strategic partnerships, leading a team of College Access Coaches, and driving the overall direction of the program to ensure the success of their students and families.

Dr. Reynolds previously served as an Admissions Counselor at Wayne State University where she exceeded enrollment goals, developed culturally sensitive recruitment strategies, and forged community partnerships to enhance Hispanic enrollment and retention. Additionally, Dr. Reynolds played a crucial role in enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion by serving as two-time Chair of the Latinx Faculty and Staff Association (LFSA) and as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEI Council).

As Co-Chair of Advocates for Latino Student Advancement in Michigan Education (Alsame), Dr. Reynolds is committed to the organization’s mission of making college education a reality for Latino students in Michigan. She is also an active member of Mana de Metro Detroit, where she serves on the Mentorship Committee and is a recipient of the 2023 Adelita award. Additionally, Dr. Reynolds remains engaged with the Michigan Association of College Admission Counseling (MACAC) as a member of the Conference Planning Committee. She has also been a recipient of the MACAC ACE Award.

Dr. Reynolds holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Wayne State University. Her educational, professional, and community service experience are testament of her desire to enhancing academic achievement in her community.