Bringing together lived experience navigating cancer, mental health conditions, reproductive health challenges, and complex medical diagnoses with over 15 years of healthcare expertise, Vanessa Joy Walker advances patient-centered healthcare through innovative education and engagement strategies. As a sought-after Healthcare Consultant, Survivorship Expert, and skilled keynote speaker, she collaborates with organizations across the healthcare ecosystem to enhance patient-provider communication, integrate authentic patient voices into initiatives, and develop impactful continuing medical education programs. Her expertise in fostering meaningful dialogue and building resilient cultures benefits clients from healthcare systems, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and corporations focused on workplace wellness. A powerful advocate on Capitol Hill, she works alongside key coalitions to shape healthcare policy and champion patient voices at the national level. She leads Living After Crisis Inc., a non-profit creating spaces for women to build resilience while navigating the complex journey of survivorship and mental health. Her work as co-founder of the Breast Cancer Early Detection Coalition and her current pursuit of an MPH at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health reflects her commitment to systemic healthcare transformation. As the author of “Make Room for Joy” (2020, Cloverleaf) and a contributor to major media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, Vanessa’s authentic approach to storytelling and deep understanding of patient experiences makes her a powerful voice for change in healthcare delivery.
