ABOUT

Vanessa Chica Ferreira

Vanessa Chica Ferreira (she/her) is a multifaceted force in the cultural landscape of New York City. As an educator, poet, playwright, fat activist, and writing workshop facilitator, she crafts works that challenge societal norms and invite deep vulnerability. Vanessa co-wrote the play ‘Live Big Girl,’ which captivated audiences at renowned venues such as The National Black Theatre, The Tank, and BAAD, with its bold exploration of body positivity and fat activism. The play’s powerful message resonated through sold-out performances. Vanessa and her co-writer Rebeca Lois Lucret were awarded the prestigious 2023 Bronx Cultural Visions Grant, supported by the Howard Gilman Foundation. This grant enabled the creation of their second poetic play, ‘Live Big Girl: A Chair That Fits,’ which debuted in April 2024 at Lehman College. Her written work reflects her dedication to exploring the human experience and has been featured in various publications such as Snapdragon: A Journal of Art and Healing, Essential Voices: A COVID-19 Anthology, The BX Files: Contemporary Poetry from the Bronx Anthology, The Abuela Stories Project, The Acentos Review, and the Great Weather for Media anthology