"Remarkable, awe-inspiring, and just flat-out inspiring" -Peter S

My relationship with Vanessa spans more than twenty years and has evolved over that time, ranging through a spectrum of emotions that started with curiosity, ranged through irritation and then respect and then culminated with affection and love.

One of my first interactions with Vanessa was shortly after I moved to Hastings-on-Hudson, in the late ‘90s when she ran for local office (Trustee for the Hastings-on-Hudson Village Board of Trustees). She was a smart and vocal activist who seemed to know her subject matter and intrigued me with her energy. She also opened my eyes to the local political scene, and shortly thereafter I became involved in advocacy on local issues, eventually also running for the position of Trustee. After I won a position as Trustee on the Board in 2003, I landed up often the target of Vanessa’s advocacy (this was the “irritation” phase of our relationship!). She was fiercely smart in her points and razor-sharp in her advocacy – a formidable voice for her positions and I always listened carefully, even when her fierce advocacy made me uncomfortable. Eventually, I ran successfully for mayor and served for ten years in that role until 2019 – Vanessa’s voice on local issues was always worth listening to and I always appreciated her perspective.

Over time, I developed a deep respect for her intelligence and dedication, both to local issues and especially on immigration, as I learned of her engagement in this life-long passion. After the 2016 election, I became more engaged on immigrant issues, and Vanessa’s leadership in this space was remarkable, awe-inspiring, and just flat-out inspiring. It was at that time that I realized in full how many lives she touched, improved, and literally saved. We all want careers and lives where we can feel we made a difference in people's lives – and Vanessa did that an order of magnitude beyond what most of us manage to do. Her advocacy for the most vulnerable constituency in this country is an inspiration for us all. She has my complete respect, my deep affection, appreciation and love. Just a remarkable human being. Congratulations!

Peter S