On September 3rd, Vanessa Fry was recognized as a GlobalMindED Educator. GlobalMindED is an Inclusive Success NetworkTM creating a capable talent pipeline by connecting students to role models, mentors, internships, and jobs to get grads to financial freedom and economic mobility. Read below for her Q & A about research, policy, and education that creates lasting change.
Tell us about your personal journey. (This encompasses both personal and professional aspects)
I grew up deeply aware of the inequities that shape people’s lives—especially when it comes to housing, education, and opportunity. That awareness became a driving force in both my personal and professional journey. After studying business and public administration, I found myself drawn to roles that allowed me to work at the intersection of research, policy, and community impact. For the last decade, I’ve been part of the Idaho Policy Institute at Boise State University, where our team focuses on solving real-world challenges through applied research. I’m also a mother, partner, and proud advocate for the power of public service to create systems that serve everyone more fairly.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
Two experiences in my career have had a profound impact on my path. The first was serving as a White House Social Innovation Fellow, where I supported the City of Boise’s efforts to align innovation and equity. The second came from my research as Social Innovation Fellow, which helped launch Idaho’s first single-site permanent supportive housing program—an effort that demonstrated the power of cross-sector collaboration to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable neighbors. To date, over 100 Idahoans have been served by the program. Not only do they experience a significant increase in their well-being, but the community has also saved over $11 million in reactive spending as a result of the program.
I’ll never forget the first time I walked through the doors of that building and met a tenant who told me being housed not only changed their life, it also saved their life. It was a moment of clarity: systemic change is possible when data, community voice, and public will come together.
What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned through your work?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that positive and sustainable change happens with communities, not to them. Elevating lived experiences, especially those of individuals who have historically been excluded, leads to more effective policies and better outcomes. I’ve also learned that humility is essential—solutions don’t come from any one sector or discipline, and often, our job as leaders is to convene, listen, and build trust.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
I’m driven by the belief that we all deserve a shot at a stable, healthy, and fulfilling life. Too often, systems reinforce inequality instead of reducing it. I believe deeply in using research as a tool for justice, helping translate data into action that improves people’s lives. My motivation also stems from the individuals I work alongside—students, colleagues, and community partners—who share a commitment to building a better future.
What are your highest hopes for democracy to unite and uplift and inspire?
My highest hope is that democracy can be a space where every voice matters and where people see themselves as active participants in shaping the future. At its best, democracy is about shared responsibility and collective care. I believe we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to make democratic institutions more inclusive, more compassionate, and more reflective of the people they serve.
How can GlobalMindED support leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations.
GlobalMindED plays a crucial role in building bridges across differences and elevating voices that too often go unheard. For leaders like me, that support looks like amplifying our stories, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and creating spaces where first-gen and underrepresented voices are centered. By continuing to connect leaders across industries and communities, GlobalMindED is helping to build the ecosystem we need to create lasting change.