Vanessa Kale
Deputy Director of Corporate Relations Development and External Affairs
Vanessa became aware of the diverse political makeup of our country at an early age, when her family moved from Newtown, Connecticut to the blue dot in a red sea: Austin, Texas. As a highschooler in Austin, Vanessa was heartbroken by the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in her birthplace—but she was also inspired by the response of many community activists and leaders from all over the country. Seeing their drive and determination sparked Vanessa’s passion for Democratic politics.
Leaving behind her beloved hometown of Austin (but taking with her a love for Tex-Mex and BBQ), Vanessa moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Management, Leadership and Policy from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs with a minor in Political Science. Throughout her time in college, Vanessa gained experience working in government relations, advocacy, and government—ending with a final internship on the finance team of Senator Sherrod Brown’s reelection campaign. Upon graduating, Vanessa was eager to help flip the House for Democrats, so she joined Chrissy Houlahan’s campaign in the Philly suburbs as a finance staffer. After the election, Vanessa joined the D.C. team to serve as Rep. Houlahan’s scheduler throughout her first term in Congress. Vanessa’s experiences in fundraising and her time on the Hill led her to join Third Way’s Development team, where she manages fundraising-related programming and engagement with Third Way’s corporate donors.
In her spare time, Vanessa likes to cheer on the Buckeyes, listen to live music, and collect new gin cocktail recipes.
Meet the people behind the work
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Alan Ahn
Deputy Director for Nuclear
X handle: alanahn81
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Sufia Alam
Senior Communications Advisor
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Todd Allen
Senior Visiting Fellow
X handle: ToddAllen5
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Jenny Archer
Senior Director of Philanthropy
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Imani Augustus
Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity
X handle: CEO_Policy
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Rashad Bates
Executive Coordinator
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Emily Becker
Director of Communications
X handle: ThirdWayEnergy
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Tanvi Bendigeri
Graphic Designer
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Matt Bennett
Executive Vice President for Public Affairs
X handle: ThirdWayMattB
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Madison Bradley
Executive Coordinator
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Xiavian Brown
Vice President of Business Operations
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Rebecca Bullied
Philanthropy Associate
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Madeline Burke
Senior Communications Advisor, Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity
X handle: CEO_Policy
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Stephen Burns
Senior Visiting Fellow
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Emily Cain
Senior Strategic Advisor
X handle: emilyanncain
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Ellie Cash
Senior K-12 Education Policy Advisor
X handle: ThirdWayEDU
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