June 4
Overcoming a language barrier was the first step on an amazing road to success for
NSCC alumna Vanessa Cruz Weimann ’14.
Arriving from Peru and not speaking a word of English, she was uncertain as to how she would navigate this new chapter of her life. Vanessa decided to enroll in NSCC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Program which she credits with being the foundation upon which she built her voice, identity, and sense of direction.
Vanessa would go on to thrive at NSCC – graduating with a 3.98 GPA from both the ESL program and with an associate degree in Liberal Arts Health Science. She became a member of two honor societies – Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership - while working two jobs and serving her community. Vanessa, who is now trilingual (English, Spanish, and Portuguese), continued her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine at UMass Boston and is preparing to graduate as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with plans to pursue a doctorate in the field.
She spent over a decade at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, working tirelessly to help improve mental health care and education.
Today, she serves as the International Director of Mental Health for the Global Network of Young Politicians and is the award-winning author of Blooming, a book dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and empowering individuals.
“The unwavering support of the faculty, staff, and community at NSCC remains one of the most impactful experiences of my life,” emphasized Vanessa. “I was not just a student — I was seen, supported, and empowered. That sense of belonging became the foundation for my leadership, advocacy, and lifelong purpose.”
“These formative experiences at NSCC shaped my understanding that true leadership is grounded in service. NSCC gave me a voice — and more importantly, the courage to use it for the good of others.”