"Clarity of vision, brilliance and leadership... the North Star" -Elizabeth F

Before being a social justice warrior was an aspiration for new attorneys and other young adults, there was Vanessa. Never seeking nor needing accolades - in fact often drawing fire for speaking out - Vanessa has been on the front lines of overreach by our government and law enforcement. Her clarity of vision, brilliance and leadership qualities have always made her the North Star for those inclined to want to make our legal and governmental systems better.

When I moved to Hastings twenty six years ago, I read a letter to the editor in the now defunct Enterprise newspaper. The author (who shall remain anonymous because perhaps they have realized the error of their judgment) wrote the most personal and vicious comments about Vanessa. Although not naive, I was taken aback by the nastiness of its tone. I mentioned it to a fellow attorney at work, who commented that Vanessa was the best law professor he had ever had. I realized at that moment that Vanessa was a pillar of strength. I met her shortly afterwards when she was going door to door as a district leader. She was kind and accessible and genuinely wanted to answer any questions I might have had.

In the years that followed, I became involved in local politics. Perhaps taking a page out of Vanessa’s playbook, I often found myself on the opposite side of the majority opinion, which I quickly learned in a small town can be an uncomfortable place to be. Still, whenever I was unsure of an issue or which judge to endorse, I always sought Vanessa’s advice. I can only think of a couple of times where we may have disagreed.

I have so many memories over the years of Vanessa at her daughter’s sports events and district leader meetings, watching the game, participating in discussions while also doing work. Her work ethic is daunting.

Not that long ago, Vanessa and I had a conversation about a democratic candidate who had not received the party’s endorsement. For the first time, Vanessa displayed fatigue about the process. In hindsight, I realized how unusual that was, and at the same time, how unfair it was for me to think that. No one can be expected to lead all of the battles. Vanessa has led so many - both on the home front and in her brilliant career. She has been the North Star for so many students as well as fellow residents and no doubt, she has seeded an army of social justice warriors to take up the battle.

With much love and great respect always,
Elizabeth F