Vanessa Paraka is an international development practitioner and has extensive experience in the Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) space, with a focus on women's empowerment and leadership in Papua New Guinea (PNG). She holds a Master of Science in International Development from the University of Portsmouth, UK (through the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship) and a Bachelor of Business majoring in International Business from James Cook University, Singapore. Vanessa has extensive experience in managing women empowerment projects supported by the Australian and US Governments in PNG.

Currently, Vanessa is the Senior Program Manager for Women in Leadership at Abt Global, overseeing a significant investment in women's leadership across PNG's health sector. Through her role she advocates for women's leadership and representation in key decision-making roles because she recognises the profound impact it can have on society. By ensuring that women have a seat at the table, Vanessa believes that more inclusive and diverse perspectives can be integrated into policies and programs, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions to the challenges faced by communities.

Vanessa has been active in various international forums, addressing complex development issues facing the country. Driven by her vision for a fair and inclusive society, Vanessa continues to champion initiatives that support women's leadership and empowerment, ensuring that gender equality remains at the forefront of development efforts both locally and internationally. She is committed to contributing to a more equitable and promising future for the next generation.