Velda v. Morris

Ms. V. (Vanessa) Morris     

Velda Vanessa. Morris is an accomplished executive, founder, and strategic leader with a strong record of advancing growth, innovation, and mission-driven impact across science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. She currently spearheads WISE Forum 2026, a cross-sector engineering convening focused on workforce innovation and emerging technologies, bringing together industry executives, researchers, educators, and emerging talent. 

She is recognized for executive presence, exceptional communication, and the ability to build trusted relationships across corporate, academic, nonprofit, and community sectors.

Her experience includes governance, financial stewardship, and cross-functional collaboration through roles such as Vice President and Treasurer of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Southern New Jersey Section; Chair of SME Chapter 15; and leadership support for the Pennsylvania STEM Girls Collaborative Project. In these roles, she has contributed to strategic planning, fiscal oversight, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive programs that expand participation and strengthen institutional outcomes.

A pioneer in robotics education, Ms. Morris developed one of the nation's first Secondary Robotics Initiatives, award-winning professional development programs for educators, and the Virtual Engineering Mentoring Unit (VEMU). She has led major regional competitions that broadened participation in engineering and technology and helped generate more than $1.5 million in grant support reflecting her commitment to innovation, talent development, and transformative change.

Ms. Morris brings a rare combination of strategic insight, communication strength, partnership development, and a deep commitment to inclusive excellence. She is well positioned to serve organizations seeking leaders who can navigate complexity, engage diverse constituencies, strengthen governance, and advance sustainable growth.