Staff: Vannesa Truchot

Vannesa Truchot is an enrolled member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and serves as the Program Director for Friends of the Children – Eastern Idaho. She was born in Pocatello, Idaho, and has spent most of her life on the Fort Hall Reservation. Vannesa comes from a richly diverse background—her mother is an enrolled member of the Shoshone Bannock Tribes and her father is from Mexico. The values of culture, healing, and community have played a central role in her life and work.

Vannesa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration. In 2013, she studied abroad in the Czech Republic, where she explored the country’s culture and architecture. That experience deepened her global perspective and reinforced her commitment to serving communities through inclusive and culturally informed approaches.

For over 12 years, Vannesa worked in various roles for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, including two years as the Grant Coordinator for the Tribal Court. In that role, she supported programs designed to meet the needs of individuals navigating substance abuse treatment, homelessness, trauma, and reentry to the community after incarceration . Her professional path has consistently reflected a passion for equity, resilience, and culturally grounded service.

Now, in her role at Friends of the Children, Vannesa is dedicated to strengthening outreach, building trust, and cultivating long-term relationships that empower children and families. She leads her team with a vision focused on early identification, meaningful family engagement, and enduring mentorship.

Outside of her professional life, Vanessa is a devoted wife to her husband, Ryan, and the proud mother of five children. She finds joy and balance through gardening and homesteading—practices that connect her to the land and the traditions of her ancestors. Vannesa continues to inspire those around her through her unwavering commitment to community, culture, and healing.