By: Lennard James
Vanessa Caswell-Rodgers, a devoted mentor, ministry leader, and community visionary, has dedicated her life to fostering empowerment and self-worth among young women across Memphis. Born in Memphis and raised amid the guidance of her grandparents at Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church, Vanessa’s early life was shaped by strong familial bonds and spiritual grounding. Those values have been a driving force in her journey into leadership, advocacy, and community impact.
A 1985 graduate of Memphis Tech High School, Vanessa viewed education as a cornerstone of her growth. She pursued higher learning at Shelby State and later at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Growing up with a twin sister and among 17 siblings in a large, loving household, she developed resilience, empathy, and an enduring belief in the power of community. Her late grandparents instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility toward others and a relationship with Christ that continues to shape her mission.
Now firmly rooted in her faith as a member of Dominion Transformation Church under Apostle Kevin Davidson, Vanessa serves not just as a congregant but as a spiritual leader and role model. In 2018, she chose to channel her experiences, passion, and faith into founding I AM SHE Mentoring, a nonprofit initiative dedicated to girls aged 8–20 seeking guidance, self-confidence, and personal development. The program places Vanessa at the helm as CEO and founder, overseeing a team committed to delivering mentorship, life skills workshops, and opportunities for young women to explore their innate potential.
Under Vanessa’s leadership, I AM SHE aims to serve an inclusive audience—middle and high school girls from underserved communities, first-generation students, foster youth, and girls of all races. “We are a mirror of possibilities,” the organization proclaims, reflecting Vanessa’s aspiration to help each girl recognize her own strength and capacity. With programming tailored to the formative ages of adolescence, I AM SHE emphasizes personal awareness, academic empowerment, leadership training, and emotional resilience.
Beyond her nonprofit work, Vanessa is actively involved in broader community initiatives. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she works alongside a network of accomplished women striving for social justice and service. She also lends her support to the Boys & Girls Club, mentoring youth who benefit from her dedication and insight. In partnership with Commissioner Charlie Caswell, Vanessa contributes to the Legacy of Legends board, helping to guide civic and youth-centric outreach. Her most recent addition to her civic engagement portfolio is her involvement on the board of the Frayser Community School System, bringing advocacy and educational perspective to one of Memphis’s vital districts.
Public speaking is one of Vanessa’s gifts. Whether addressing youth groups, school assemblies, or church gatherings, she uses her voice to uplift, encourage, and equip audiences with hope. In every interaction, Vanessa exudes positivity, reinforcing her core message: young women are valuable, strong, and full of potential.
Vanessa’s sphere of influence extends into both spiritual and public realms. As the wife of former MPD officer and minister Eric Rodgers, her family life reinforces her insights into service, discipline, and empathy. Together, they model faith-based leadership and civic responsibility.
Yet, everything Vanessa does, whether mentoring, leading committees, or speaking, begins and ends with faith. She credits her grandparents for planting seeds of compassion and determination in her heart. These seeds have grown into an unshakeable resolve to see young girls overcome cycles of adversity and rise into their own greatness.
Shortly stated on her website, I AM SHE focuses on helping young girls navigate challenges like limited access to mentors, exposure to trauma, or social pressure that can hinder their potential. Vanessa works daily to address those obstacles, introducing young women to strategies for decision-making, self-care, leadership, and academic purpose.
Vanessa’s multi-pronged outreach—through faith, nonprofit leadership, community boards, and mentorship—reflects a life lived in service. Not only does she believe that every girl should see herself as a daughter of God, but she also believes each should act as a leader in her own space, empowered to pursue her goals and uplift those around her.
Looking ahead, Vanessa remains focused on expanding I AM SHE’s reach, strengthening its programming, and deepening partnerships with schools, churches, and civic bodies. Through each workshop and talk, her message shines: “You are seen. You are worthy. You are capable.”
With her heart centered on nurturing generations of confident women, Vanessa Caswell-Rodgers stands as an inspiration, proof that genuine leadership, guided by faith, can transform futures. For more information, visit: I Am She
