Vanessa Zarate

Vanessa Zárate serves as an Economic Vitality Manager for the City of Louisville, Colorado and is an outspoken advocate for the business community. She fell in love with Colorado while attending the University of Denver earning her BSBA in International Business. Vanessa began her economic development career working with the Borderplex Bi-National Economic Alliance, promoting economic growth in the region surrounding El Paso, Texas and has since worked for multiple jurisdictions across the Denver Metro.

Vanessa is passionate about economic vitality work and strives to create a stronger economy for all, support business success and support economies that can carry communities forward.  Vanessa works closely with businesses and property owners to highlight assets, support attraction, retention and growth and promote all Louisville has to offer to residents and visitors.

She participates in numerous boards, advisory committees and mentor programs. Vanessa is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and has her real estate license. She was honored by the West Metro Chamber as the Young Professional of the Year in 2019 and BizWest’s 40 under 40 in 2025. She continues to bring her lively optimism, and solutions-oriented perspective to help direct the development of unique businesses, community and economy.