Vanessa grew up in Canberra and moved to Adelaide for University residing at St Mark’s College graduating with a double degree in Bachelor Economics / Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies).

She began her career as a graduate in Canberra, worked for KPMG as a management Consultant in Canberra and Melbourne and is now a specialist in Finance working in the Mergers and Acquisitions space. A current Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and the Finance Executive Institution (FEI).

She joined the RAAF as a Reservist in Operations with her first Posting at 28 Squadron. She served over 14 years in the RAAF across a number of units which include 28 Squadron, 21 Squadron and Air Force Head Quarters to name a few.

She is a philanthropist, appointed patron for the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), a committee member of the Tour De Cure Gala, a member of the Rural Fire Service (RFS), St Johns Ambulance and Legatee.