© 2019 by //vanessa rhinesmith

I'm //vanessa.

about me.

I am the Associate Research Director for the Technology and Social Change (TaSC) Research Project at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. Our project aims to understand how media manipulation is a means to control public conversation, derail democracy, and disrupt society. The project conducts research, develops tools (e.g. GMMCB), and facilitates workshops for journalists, researchers, policy makers, technologists, and civil society organizations globally on how to >> detect, document, and debunk media manipulation campaigns. 

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I have spent my career working with a variety of public and private organizations through a range of positions and industries. I have led projects, improved programs, enhanced organizations, and strengthened cultural dynamics all through an approach to work that is built on a foundation of participatory inquiry, collaboration, and trust. 

 

I have an MBA from Simmons School of Management (MA), BA in Marketing from Fairfield University (CT), and worked as a social worker in Chicago. I am currently pursing my Master in Public Policy from Simmons University with a focus on intersectional feminism, information, and technology. I am currently exploring feminist approaches to cyber security and the role of history, narrative, and power in the creation of sex trafficking policy. I live with my husband, daughter, two cats and dog.

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In my (little) free time, you’ll find me reading graphic novels with my (almost) ten-year-old daughter or traveling somewhere to scuba dive.

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