
Vanessa L.
5.0
(10)
Fulbright & Finland Scholar | University of Helsinki MA | Duke BA
Studied at Duke University
Worked at Comisión Fulbright
Available Wednesday at 4:00 PM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Vanessa's Coaching Offerings
Custom hourly · $69/hr
Get help with Financial Aid & Scholarships, Editing, and .
Vanessa’s Prestigious Scholarships & Fellowships Qualifications
Hey future scholarship recipient! As a Fulbright Scholar and mentor as well as a Finland Scholar, I have firsthand experience navigating the application process for prestigious scholarships and fellowships. I have mentored 26 incoming Fulbright Scholars to Spain. Even more, with a Master’s in Changing Education (fully-funded) from the University of Helsinki and a Bachelor’s from Duke University, I bring a strong academic background and experience in both US and European applications. I am here to help you craft a compelling application and develop a winning strategy. Let's work together to achieve your goals!
Vanessa can help with:
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Editing
Research
Personal Statement
Essays
Letters of Recommendation
About Vanessa
I offer coaching in English and Spanish because I believe and have lived how accessible mentoring and educational opportunities transform lives! I am an educator and a life-long learner. I am a Rotary Youth Scholar to Spain, went to Duke for undergrad focused on Public Policy, headed back to Spain as a Fulbrighter, spent some time in Oakland, CA diving deeper into education, and then I did my master's in education in Finland (home to one of the world's top education systems). This path gave me critical insights into the science of learning, communication, and research. I'm passionate about the "a-ha" moments and the neuroscience that best supports personal progress. So now, I strive to bring this international experience and evidence-based strategies to help you achieve your biggest goals. Former Fulbright Scholar and in country Fulbright Mentor | Finland Scholar
Work Experience

Co Founder
Little Language Labs
April 2025 - Present
Normalize, demystify, and simplify language acquisition research to support multilingual families. Write, edit, and publish flagship products.

Education Coordinator
Escuela21
January 2024 - Present
I design, implement, and evaluate education initiatives, specializing in inclusive pedagogy and multilingual/multicultural contexts. I work with teachers and school leaders to build capacity and drive evidence-based innovation.
International Affairs – Student Engagement
Una Europa
September 2023 - December 2023
I specialized in co-creating and executing a major Student Congress across 11 European universities, connecting students and societal partners while embedding student-led approaches to leadership development and cross-institutional collaboration.
Program Director
Putney Student Travel
June 2019 - July 2023
Program Leader: U.S.A, Ecuador, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia; Program Director: Costa Rica | Summers 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 I developed and led comprehensive international summer travel experiences for high-schoolers, integrating cultural, language, and conservation activities in close collaboration with local partners.
Bilingual Teacher
Oakland Unified School District
August 2020 - May 2022
Bilingual First-Grade Teacher (Spanish/English) Committees: Dual Language Committee, School Site Council
Fulbright Scholar
Comisión Fulbright
September 2018 - June 2020
Culture & Pedagogy Mentor | June 2019 - June 2020 Mentored, advised, and supported cultural adaptation for 26 incoming La Rioja Fulbright Scholars. Liaised between Fulbright Commission for supportive resolution of pedagogical or personal conflicts Fulbright Scholar | Sept 2018 - June 2020
Education
University of Helsinki
Master of Arts, Education
2022 - 2024
Selected as the sole Finland Scholar and Dean's Scholar for the Master’s Program in Changing Education
Duke University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Public Policy
2014 - 2018
Alumni Interviewer Activities and societies: Phi Beta Kappa, Teaching Assistant Public Policy Department
10 Reviews
Overall Rating