Vanessa Castillo is a University of Miami alum, entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 15 years of experience in photography, videography, branding, digital marketing and community building. She is the founder of VCV Agency, a creative agency helping brands, entrepreneurs, and organizations build aligned, authentic online presences through storytelling and strategy.

Vanessa is also the creator of The Rich Girl Mindset, a talkshow and platform rooted in personal growth, wellness, and intentional living, where she empowers individuals to align their mindset, purpose, and business. Passionate about community building and mentorship, she is deeply committed to supporting students and young professionals as they navigate career paths, entrepreneurship, and life beyond graduation.

As a Cane2Cane mentor, Vanessa values honest conversations, real-world insight, and leading with empathy, believing that mentorship is about guidance, connection, and reminding others that growth doesn’t require having everything figured out.

Why did you join Cane2Cane? 
I joined Cane2Cane because I know firsthand how impactful it is to have guidance while navigating career decisions, especially during those pivotal years. As a UM alum and entrepreneur, I felt called to give back and support students who are figuring out their next steps, just like I once was. 

Impact on my personal, professional, and life goals 
Mentoring through Cane2Cane has been incredibly fulfilling. Professionally, it’s helped me sharpen how I communicate my experiences and lessons learned. Personally, it’s reminded me of the importance of staying connected to community and leading with empathy. It aligns deeply with my life goal of using my work and experiences to empower others. 

Memorable connection on Cane2Cane 
There isn’t just one meaningful connection but one of the most memorable aspects has been seeing students gain clarity and confidence over time. Watching someone go from uncertainty to feeling more grounded in their direction, even if it’s just the next step, is incredibly rewarding. 

Advice or takeaway from these connections 
My biggest takeaway is that you don’t need to have everything figured out to offer value. Sometimes sharing real experiences (including the challenges and detours) is what resonates most and helps someone feel less alone in their journey. 

Encouragement for fellow alumni to join 
To fellow alumni: Cane2Cane is such a meaningful way to stay connected to the UM community while making a real impact. Even small conversations can leave a lasting impression. If you’ve ever benefited from mentorship, this is a beautiful opportunity to pay it forward.