Vanessa is a creative and bold advocate for survivors of violence around the world based in the US. She grew up in the Philippines and is a survivor of sexual abuse. Vanessa has served as one of the survivor leaders in the Philippine Survivor Network (formerly known as “Standing Together to Advocate Rights” advocacy group) in Manila. Vanessa works on the Global Programs team at IJM. She is a founding member of the Leadership Council for the Global Survivor Network, an international group of survivor leaders who desire and pursue safe communities through justice systems that protect the most vulnerable. Prior to joining the team, she served as an Aftercare Fellow helping to build the Global Survivor Network, then worked interim as a Campaign Coordinator with IJM Advocacy & Mobilization and Constituent Experience team in 2018. She earned her bachelor's degree and license in Social Work in the Philippines.

Anu has 13 years of leadership experience with IJM. In South Asia, she served as the Director of Operations, the Director of National Interventions and the Director of Legal. During her time with IJM, Anu has worked extensively to impact justice systems by collaborating with state and local governments in South Asia. Anu initiated and led IJM’s first ever partnership program and oversaw the training of more than 17,000 police officers, government officials, and NGOs on the rescue and rehabilitation of individuals trapped in slavery and bringing criminals to justice. As a result of this leadership, Anu is credited with rescuing over 10,000 vulnerable people from forced labour slavery. Currently Anu serves as IJM Canada’s Chief Executive Officer.