Wonderful Women of MUSD! A Women's History Month Series, Portrait #7: Vanessa H. Espitia Ed.D, Coordinator II Early Childhood Development and Community Engagement

Name: Vanessa H. Espitia. Ed.D

Title: Coordinator II Early Childhood Development and Community Engagement

Years at MUSD: 14 years

Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why?
Most inspirational women’s history event was inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2021, when Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female vice president of the United States. It inspired me to believe that women are powerful enough to lead a nation and one day soon one will be sworn in as our president of the United States.

What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why?
The Story of Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's Teacher. I read this book in the 5th grade as a student at Rose Elementary School with Mrs. Graves. I remember reading about how strong of a woman Annie Sullivan was as she overcame her own disability of being visually impaired to be a teacher, leader and advocate for her student Helen Keller with the same disability. They were both strong women who pushed through adversity when living in a society that was not as inclusive to others with differing abilities. Annie Sullivan was a pioneer in the field of education.

Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD?
Stay strong in the face of adversity. Always remember that you are unique and powerful and no one is you!

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