Vanessa Valenzuela Erickson

Vanessa Valenzuela Erickson is a people operations and talent management consultant and advisor. Most recently, she served as Chief People Officer at Culdesac – a first-of-its-kind car-free real estate developer. Prior to this, she worked in human resources, business operations, and finance at Salt River Project and Opendoor. 

She started her career teaching elementary school through the Teach For America program. Vanessa holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and a degree in Economics and International Studies from the University of Arizona.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Vanessa commits time and energy to our great city and the communities its comprised of through board service and volunteer opportunities. She is the current board chair for Aliento, a non-profit serving undocumented, DACA, and mixed immigration status families. Her previous board service includes Teach For America/ASU Recruitment Board, Arizona PBS Community Advisory Board, and Teach For America Alumni Leadership Board. She spent years mentoring for Phoenix Metro YoungLives and New Pathways for Youth.

Vanessa currently resides in Central Phoenix with her husband, Steve Erickson. Their four children keep them busy with church, school activities, and coaching in various youth leagues.