Vanessa L. Ousley

Vanessa L. Ousley was born, raised and currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Journalism from the University of Houston and her Juris Doctorate from Tulane Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Upon returning to Texas after law school, Vanessa served as a staff attorney for Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas where she served as the staff attorney at The Housing Crisis Center. During this time, she focused primarily on assisting clients with housing and other public benefits. It was here that she met social worker, Verna L. Jones, ASW, BSW, MSW and, together, the two organized Under 1 Roof of Dallas, Texas. This nonprofit organization provides permanent and supportive housing and other social services to the residents of Dallas County. Vanessa serves as the volunteer Director of Legal Services and develops classes for the program participants in addition to creating seminars and presentations for the Board of Directors. Additionally, working with a nationwide disability firm, Vanessa also assists clients in obtaining benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Vanessa and her husband, Damar, are the proud parents of two vivacious sons, Barrett and Braylon.