Meet Our Team

VANESSA STINNETT

VP STUDIO OPERATIONS

Vanessa started off stage managing in college and accepted an internship that provided her the opportunity to work professionally on the East Coast. Upon her return, she continued to stage-manage and light design in and around Los Angeles for operas, concerts, plays, and musicals, eventually transitioning her focus to working in the film & television industry.

Eager to dive deeper, she started as a production assistant on feature films and honed her broadcast skills through the City of Commerce’s Production Development courses. She later earned her BA in Film and Television from UCLA, laying the foundation for a diverse career. Vanessa went on to serve as a Production Supervisor for the City of Pasadena, overseeing everything from elections to protests and teaching others the art of studio production. Her work as a photographer, videographer, and editor earned accolades, including two Golden Bell Awards for impactful documentaries on MUSD programs.

After a short hiatus in 2013 to focus on community activism and expand art programs in the underserved areas of Southeast Los Angeles and Montebello CA, she returned to illuminate as Studio Coordinator and was later promoted to VP, Studio Operations in 2022.

Outside of her broadcast career, Vanessa is deeply committed to giving back. As Co-President of the FMUSDF foundation, she and her husband, Jason Stinnett, champion scholarships and opportunities for underserved youth in Southeast Los Angeles. She is grateful for the unwavering support of her family—Jason, Taylor, David, Allen, Kristen, and Kiera—in every chapter of her journey.