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Bio
As Miss New Jersey 2003, Vanessa Baker lived an emotional rollercoaster that ranged from the initial thrill of victory, to the disappointment of defeat and, moreover, the discomfort of learning who the “real” Vanessa was when the applause came to an end. From the glamour and glitz of red carpet events and celebrities, to the many appearances on national television, for a short while Vanessa enjoyed all the accoutrements of celebrity status.
But as the year of her reign came to an end, with it went all the adulation and special treatment as well. After years of competition and always working toward the next big victory, Vanessa was left as simply – Vanessa, the “former” Miss New Jersey. She traversed the emotions of what has been defined by today’s culture watchers as the “Quarter-Life crisis,” a season of life experienced by most young adults coming to grips with real world issues. "Who am I?" "What should I do?" "What does the future hold?" - These questions and accompanying fears Vanessa would have to face in her own way, and through this introspective search, she would find hope in her true identity as a child of God and a member of the body of Christ.
Vanessa realized that her own Christ-centered perspective and invigorating energy was capable of reaching and establishing a connection with even the most uninspired people. Her experiences had built her a unique platform to reach and relate to other young adults, and through this, she could help them deal with their insecurities, the pressures they would face in post-secondary education, as well as teach them to recognize the very real need to set a life-changing goal and reach it.
Vanessa now informs other young adults that it is only God who satisfies and brings comfort. The results of her testimony are nothing short of encouraging and inspirational, and can bring spiritual renewal to anyone willing to listen. Her captivating message of “Never Give Up” has motivated thousands and has inspired listeners to pursue their dreams and go on to explore their own God-given talents.
Among Vanessa’s many achievements since her year as Miss NJ USA, Vanessa launched Triumph National Young Adults Conferences to encourage, educate and empower young adults, drawing from her own experiences, as well as experts in other fields of relationships, finance, and living as an effective Christian witness. She has led two Triumph conferences – one in Philadelphia in 2005 and another in Nashville in 2006 – featuring speakers, athletes, and artists who share her vision for young adults.
In Spring of 2007, Vanessa traveled with a team from Compassion International to Nicaragua as part of their outreach to the children there, and later in the Fall she was a featured speaker with a seminar on “How To Manage Your Quarter-Life Crisis” on the PraiseFest Cruise With A Cause to the Bahamas, where she also spoke in a local high school in Nassau.
Beyond Vanessa’s pursuit in sharing the Gospel, she is a ballet instructor, real estate investor and college graduate. Most recently, Vanessa returned to her studies at Moody Bible Institute where she is working toward a Master’s degree in biblical education, with an underlying hope to strengthen her knowledge and faith in God’s Word. In an effort to supplement her knowledge in real estate and investments, she has also enrolled in the prestigious Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania in the Executive Education program.
