By: Lennard James
Vanessa Caswell Rodgers, born and raised in Memphis, TN, has devoted her life to empowering young women through mentorship, community engagement, and unwavering faith. A 1985 graduate of Memphis Tech High School, Vanessa furthered her education at Shelby State and the University of Tennessee at Martin. Raised by her late grandparents alongside her twin sister and 17 siblings, Vanessa found spiritual grounding at Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church, where her relationship with Christ began.
Today, she continues her faith journey as an active member of Dominion Transformation Church, under the leadership of Apostle Kevin Davidson. It was during her spiritual growth and education that she discovered her calling helping girls build confidence and make positive life choices.
In 2018, Vanessa founded I AM SHE Mentoring, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting girls between the ages of 8 and 20, focusing on those in underserved communities, fostering youth, and first-generation students. Under her leadership as CEO, I AM SHE provides mentorship, workshops, and leadership development. Vanessa oversees a dedicated team that teaches lifelong skills, with a mission to help girls understand their value, build confidence, and pursue their goals fearlessly.
“My heart and love for our youth drive everything I do,” Vanessa explains. She recognizes that early adolescence is a pivotal life stage when self-esteem, leadership, and academic success are forged. By intentionally engaging young women during this critical period, I AM SHE seeks to shape not just future leaders but resilient individuals who believe in their own worth.
Vanessa’s commitment extends beyond her nonprofit. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she networks within strong chapters of historically significant women. She also mentors local youth through the Boys & Girls Club and contributes her time and insight as a board member of Legacy of Legends, a community initiative led by Commissioner Charlie Caswell. Recently, she joined the board of the Frayser Community School System, further expanding her impact in educational leadership.
A gifted public speaker, Vanessa uses her voice to spread positivity, encouragement, and love at community events and church gatherings. She believes that storytelling and personal witness can inspire young women to reach for their potential. Her vision is to continue mastering the art of communication, spreading messages of strength and hope wherever she is invited.
Through I AM SHE, Vanessa tackles challenges faced by many young women today: limited access to mentors, exposure to trauma, overwhelming social pressure. She strives to be the steady, empowering presence these girls need. As she says, “We are a mirror of possibilities.”
I AM SHE Mentoring operates across social platforms—Facebook and Instagram under I AM SHE, with email correspondence at iamshememphis@gmail.com—reflecting an active and responsive organization. Since its inception, it has impacted countless lives, equipping young women to embrace their identities and pursue success in academics, leadership, and beyond.
Vanessa’s journey from a church-going child in Memphis to a community leader underscores her rooted belief in faith-informed action. Whether she’s speaking at schools like Westside Middle in Frayser, leading workshops, or engaging with Delta Theta’s sisters, Vanessa is driven by her love for young women and a commitment to seeing them thrive.
She credits her grandparents for instilling in her the values of compassion, resilience, and service. Now, she is passing those gifts forward reflecting that mirror of possibilities for young girls across Memphis.
In a world where many girls face systemic barriers and personal hardships, Vanessa Caswell Rodgers offers a resounding message: they are seen, they are valued, and they are capable. Through I AM SHE Mentoring, her work is truly life-changing—not merely offering temporary support, but modeling a future shaped by confidence, purpose, and faith.
As Vanessa continues in her roles as minister’s wife, community leader, and mentor, her legacy is clear: she’s building generations enriched not only by faith and knowledge but by self-belief and possibility. And as her message echoes across classrooms, churches, and community halls, one truth remains constant: We Are a Mirror of Possibilities.
For more information visit: www.iamshememphis.org
