Vanessa Lemus-Tapia, a native of San Bruno, stands as a dedicated board member of the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee. Co-founding the first Teamsters Local 350 Women’s Committee, she champions the creation of safe spaces where women can freely express their opinions and concerns, both within and beyond the local community.
In her professional role within Teamsters Local 350, spanning the Solid Waste & Recycling, Linen, and Public Sector industries from San Francisco County to San Benito County, Vanessa fervently advocates for women’s and LGBTQ rights. She supports access to healthcare, combats poverty, labor rights and strives for fairness and equity. Her advocacy is deeply rooted in her upbringing, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by her immigrant family, particularly her grandmother—a single mother overcoming language barriers. This upbringing instilled in Vanessa a dual perspective: an understanding of the struggles of those in need and the drive to assist others.
Vanessa openly acknowledges her privilege, recognizing the unwavering support of her family and community, despite her identity as a queer woman. She believes in pushing for policies that ensure everyone feels safe and celebrated for their unique identities. The fight for LGBTQ equality, Vanessa emphasizes, has been ongoing for generations and will persist into the future. She proudly embraces her identity as a woman, a Latina, and a member of the LGBTQ community, advocating for love and self-acceptance above all else.
Redwood City, CA 94063