Rev. Vanessa Ward – Leading with Purpose, Transforming with Community

When Rev. Vanessa Ward left her Ph.D. program, it wasn’t just a career shift—it was a step toward fulfilling a higher calling. As the leader of Omega CDC, she partnered with the Northwest Dayton community and organizations across the Dayton region to create the Hope Center for Families, a space that brings vital resources to the neighborhood.

Her visionary leadership didn’t stop there. In collaboration with the community and partner organizations, Rev. Ward and Omega CDC secured a $29 million Promise Neighborhood grant to expand opportunities in the Hope Zone, transforming lives from cradle to career.

Rev. Ward’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of bold decisions and collective action. Together with the community, she’s helping to rewrite the story of Northwest Dayton.

Read more about her journey here.