Vanessa Virgato

For the past 16 years Vanessa has worked in a variety of settings providing support to young people who are disengaged from family, education and community.  Throughout that time, she has been challenged by the lack of opportunity to provide sustainable, long term outcomes for young people that will ultimately lead to their being able to access increased employment opportunities, secure, affordable housing and associated supports.  Vanessa is excited by the vision of STREATand believes this social enterprise will enable young people to transform their lives. Her role is to assist young people through the Social Support arm of STREAT.

If your personality was a food dish, what would it be and why?

Wow, interesting…… something colourful, multi layered, warm and accessible – a vegetable curry.

What country would you like to visit next and why?

Definitely Cuba. The why part to this question is easy…… the diversity, the food, the dancing, the culture and the Buena Vista Social Club.

Why do you care about youth homelessness?

I care about youth homelessness because I have seen firsthand the impact this social issue has on the young people who experience it.  In my experience, it is nobody’s childhood dream to become homeless.  I believe, as a society, we all have a responsibility to work toward a resolution of youth homelessness…..I’m just trying to do my bit.