Tracy TorresVanessa Nordyke doesn’t need an invisible jet to help the citizens of Salem. She does it all through civic involvement and advocacy. Vanessa is the current Salem City Councilor for Ward 7, a mental health advocate, and a Senior Assistant Attorney General at the Oregon Department of Justice. As a Salem City Councilor, she advocates for cost-effective solutions to empower marginalized communities, support local businesses, and grow our economy. At DOJ, Vanessa spent years keeping child molesters and other criminals behind bars. As a mental health advocate, Vanessa lobbies for mental health funding and trains workplaces on trauma-informed practices.
In 2018, Vanessa made history as the youngest elected President of the Oregon State Bar, a unified bar of about 19,500 lawyers and judges. As President, Vanessa brought wellness to the forefront, by overseeing the creation of mandatory mental health and substance training for all Oregon lawyers, and spearheading OSB’s first Wellness Summit. After completing her presidency, Vanessa resumed her focus on Salem and was appointed to Salem City Council in October 2019.
Her dedication to community service goes back to her teens, with work on issues like homelessness, veterans, domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse, women’s rights, and the empowerment of communities of color. Vanessa helped found the Marion County Veterans Treatment Court. Vanessa is a dedicated mentor to young people. She co-captained a mock trial team of Latinx students through the Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality.
Vanessa graduated with honors from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service with a Bachelor of Science in International Political Economy in 2002. After graduating from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2008, Vanessa was admitted to the Honors Attorney Program with the Oregon Department of Justice, where she has made her career as a civil rights lawyer. She is the recipient of Oregon DOJ’s Excellence in Justice Award, the Marion County Bar Association’s Carson Award for Service to the Community, and the University of Oregon School of Law’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.
Next time you need a hero, no need to look to the sky for an invisible jet or send out a bat signal, just know Vanessa is on watch. Let’s stop and see what this wonder woman has in store for Salem’s future and get to know her better.
What is your favorite thing about Salem? Minto Brown Park. I love running the trails with my dog, Sierra, tethered to my waist.
What is your favorite thing to do in Salem? At home, it’s strolling through the garden with Alex and Sierra. Out and about, it’s getting coffee with friends at Archive.
Who is your favorite fictional character? Batman. He’s a superhero without superpowers, a world-class detective, and a person compelled by childhood trauma to seek justice. Frank Miller’s graphic novel on Batman’s origin, “Batman Year One” should be mandatory reading for all fans of the caped crusader. Find it at The Book Bin!
What is your favorite song to sing for karaoke? As an Amerititle Idol finalist, this is a tough call, but I’m going to have to go with Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams are Made of These.”
If you could have dinner with any famous person alive or dead, who would it be and why? I’d have dinner with the President of the United States. I’d tell him what I’m seeing at the local level and advise him on how we can do better nationwide.
What was the best compliment you have ever received? “You inspired me to volunteer.” I’ve been volunteering in my community since I was 13. I like to shine a light on other people who give back and on community service opportunities, to motivate others to pitch in.
What three words do you think best describe you? Hard-working, driven, Dogmom.
What would you like to see for Salem in the next 5 years? I would like to see more: affordable mental health services; affordable housing; affordable childcare; telecommuting and walkability to reduce traffic and greenhouse gas emissions; and diverse cultural, artistic, sports and entertainment options.
Dogs or cats? #DogMomforlife
Mexican or Italian food? What a cruel question! But if I *had* to choose, I’ll take enchiladas verdes, guac, and a basket of warm tortilla chips pretty much any day of the week, preferably shared with family and friends.
Ocean or mountains? Ocean. After my parents divorced when I was nine years old, my dad took my sister and me to Lincoln City. I still remember being in awe of the Pacific Ocean, and admire it to this day.
Planned or spontaneous? Hahahahahahaha. Let me answer it this way: When I plan a vacation, I schedule “spontaneous time” in the trip itinerary. ‘Nuff said.
The Instigator
