Vanessa is the Founder of the Amala Foundation, a 501c organization with its home base and community center/sanctuary in Austin, Texas. Over the past 20 years, Amala has grown into a thriving organization that has served an international community of youth and adults through transformational projects that have spanned the globe. It is with the love and support of a united community that made Amala the powerful vehicle that it is today.
Since 2001, the Amala Foundation has offered over 6,000 youth a unique blend of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs and cross-cultural connection aimed at providing the next generation of leaders with a model of inclusion, compassion, commitment and service to their communities.
“Amala” means many things in many languages. In Hindi, it means “pure;” in Arabic, “hope;” and in Hebrew, “work.” Amala offers a safe, supportive and inspiring experiences where youth from all backgrounds come together to learn and grow. From youth summits to children camps to leadership training, Amala’s programs promote personal growth, clear communication, deep listening, compassion and an ethos of service.