Candidate: Vanessa Melbis Chaviano

Vanessa Chaviano is a dedicated community advocate, passionate about creating positive change and improving the lives of those around her. She is a small business owner, a parent to two children in Lee County schools, a conservative community leader, and an educator. She has lived in Lee County for 25 years. For 18 of those years, she has been dedicated to this community, coaching, mentoring, and supporting our youth through various organizations like Pop Warner, YMCA, FGCU Alumni & Greek Life Alumni, and other notable local nonprofits and boards she’s had the pleasure to serve on.

Her professional career includes almost 2 1/2 years of experience as an administrator, where she played a pivotal role in the opening of North Nicholas High School. Vanessa also has a year of hands-on teaching experience, teaching 3rd and 4th grade at a Lehigh charter school.

In addition to their professional accomplishments, Vanessa actively engages in various leadership roles. She is the Director and Public Image Chair for the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, a Cape Competes Stakeholder Member, Leadership Cape Coral 2023 Chair, and the 2022-2023 Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Board Member. Previously, she contributed her expertise as a Member of the Lee County MPO Citizens Advisory Committee, The Hispanic Vote Board of Directors, and Board Member of the Cape Coral Mayors Scholarship. 

Vanessa is known for her dedication, integrity, and ability to unite people to achieve common goals.