Vanessa Barrios facilitates research, engagement, and advocacy for work related to affordable homes, accessible transit, public health, climate justice, and equitable economic development for the Regional Plan Association. As the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives, she ensures that every facet of RPA's work (projects, planning recommendations, advocacy efforts, and internal work culture) reflects the organization's values of making health, equity, sustainability, and prosperity attainable for anyone who lives and works in the tri-state region. Vanessa's ancestors are from the Philippines. She was born and raised in Los Angeles and is currently based in Brooklyn, NY. She enjoys tending to the tree beds on her block, organizing her neighborhood block association, and planning small dinner parties for five people but making enough food to feed a crowd.