Biography of Vanessa Hall-Harper
“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas." Shirley Chisholm
A product of Tulsa Public Schools and longtime resident of the Tulsa community, Vanessa Hall-Harper’s list of accomplishments is a long one. Achieving a Master's of Science Management, a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science-Pre Law, and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies, is an appendage to the passion, purpose and love for the work she has done and continues to do in support of the North Tulsa Community.
Vanessa began her career of social service and community involvement as a receptionist then bacame an Intake Counselor for the Tulsa County Juvenile Bureau of the District Court. In 2001 she moved to the Tulsa Health Department where she served as Community Programs Coordinator for the Tulsa County Comprehensive Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program, and in 2013 she became Manager of the Healthy Living Program. Experience, skills and a work history designed to move a community forward.
With a niche for Community Organizing, Strategic Planning, Community Outreach, Leadership and Event Planning, Vanessa is taking her desire to support and serve to the next level. As a Community and Development Activist she covets an informed, empowered community with fair, interest-based, equal representation. Currently the City Councilor for District 1, Vanessa is running on a platform of community empowerment, affordable housing, food security, supporting, helping and improving the quality of life for the residents of North Tulsa. Vanessa has the experience, background, work history, curriculum vitae and credentials to fill the role – to expand on the amazing work and note-worthy contributions she makes on a daily basis.
Bringing people together and promoting growth and development is more than making a difference. For Vanessa it is a civic responsibility. Her love of “lending a helping hand” is reflected in her favorite quote and her philosophy. Dr. Cornel West stated, “You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people. You can’t save the people if you don’t serve the people”, and from Shirley Chisholm’s book , “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas”.
Engaging this responsibility Vanessa dedicated her time and talent to a number of government, non-profit and social organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc member, Theatre North Board Member, City of Tulsa Sales Tax Overview Committee Member, Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee Chair, Board Member of the Institute for Developing Communities and Board Member of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.
A busy wife, mother and industry professional, Vanessa enjoys cooking and entertaining friends. Her favorite book, The Holy Bible, “contains the answers to all of life’s problems.” Continuing to make societal differences and responding to the needs of her community, Vanessa’s current goal is to win the office of Tulsa City Council District 1.
