Vanessa possesses extensive experience in collaborating with Asian communities and conducting academic research. Prior to joining MOCA, she worked as a Development Associate and Research Assistant at Harvard University, where she managed and engaged in academic programs dedicated to Chinese art, research, publication, international collaborations, and internal/external relations. Vanessa also interned at the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, where she focused on storytelling, proofreading, and video production of digital media.

Before coming to the U.S., Vanessa worked for Tencent, where she contributed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts, which were fundamental to her understanding of public relations, fundraising, and the landscape of public welfare.

Vanessa holds an MA in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from the University of Pennsylvania, where she researched early China history and art history. She was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Department of History at Columbia University in 2023.