Vanessa Greene
Director of Multicultural Education

Vanessa Greene graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor in Science and Masters in Higher Education Administration. Her professional career has included six years in vocational rehabilitation; five years as an entrepreneur; and seven years in Continuing Education at Grand Valley State University. She began her position as Director of Multicultural Education at Hope College in October 2003. Due to her passion in serving others, Vanessa’s professional life intersects with her personal life and community service. She believes in the quote by Mathama Ghandi, “we must become the change we want to see in the world.” Whether at work, church or in the community, Vanessa is always actively promoting and fostering change for a better community; emphasizing education as the greatest vehicle towards change.

Vanessa is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. a private non-profit organization of over 200,000 members throughout the world, whose purpose is to support communities, both nationally and internationally in the areas of economic development; educational development; international awareness and involvement; physical and mental health; and political awareness and involvement. She was instrumental in chartering Tau Psi chapter at Hope College in April 2005.

In addition to her primary responsibilities in her current position of developing and providing educational programs and services to engender cross-cultural awareness and cultivating an environment that promotes inclusion, Vanessa is a mentor and advocate to students. She works diligently with students and student organizations, and serves on numerous boards and committees to promote academic excellence, spiritual growth, leadership development, and social justice.

During her tenure at Hope College, she has led numerous new initiatives, including extensive programming in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez, including, luncheons and programs with keynote speakers, marches, film reviews, diversity workshops, and dialogues. She works with faculty, administrators, student groups, and community leaders to create greater awareness and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She developed a Multicultural Leadership program and has sponsored highly successful leadership conferences and retreats for students. But she is most proud of the achievement of students, as this is the ultimate goal, which is essential to the future of our society.

Patrick Wilson
Assistant Director of Multicultural Education

A Native of West Side Detroit, Patrick Wilson  graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Communications and a Master’s in Education from Grand Valley State University. During his time in West Michigan, Patrick has worked closely with many Diversity and Inclusion efforts in the Greater Grand Rapids area and abroad.

“I am determined to assist students with attaining their maximum academic, spiritual, professional, social, and intercultural potential. My goal is to provide students with professional and cultural strategies to enhance their collegiate success. I strive to create learning opportunities for students and staff through innovative and effective programming. I believe that learning is a life-long process that leads to success in professional & personal ventures, and an improved quality of life.”

Yessenia Aguirre
Office Coordinator

Yessenia O. Aguirre graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor of the Arts in International Studies. During her time at Hope she worked as a project assistant for the Office of Multicultural Education, was involved with La Raza Unida and a member of Theta Gamma Pi Sorority. For the past six years she has been involved in the Holland community through Latin Americans United for Progress and the Alliance of Cultural and Ethnic Harmony. She is passionate about equity and education. She is very happy to be working for the Office of Multicultural Education and hopes to build genuine relationships with students, faculty and staff.