Vanessa Faz Bridge to Success Scholarship

The Abilene Housing Authority (AHA) Vanessa Faz Bridge to Success Scholarship was created for AHA Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) participants and Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) participants (from either the Public Housing (PH) or Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs) who have a desire to further their education but lack the adequate financial means to accomplish this goal, and to inspire these individuals to find meaningful careers, earn a living wage, and progress toward becoming economically self-sufficient.

Mrs. Faz has served on the AHA Board for 11 years and has served as the AHA Board Chair for six years. She worked with AHA to create a comprehensive, six-week homeownership training program for Public Housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher participants. AHA has been providing this program since 2018. Mrs. Faz also had the vision to encourage AHA to create an HCV Homeownership Program.

As a seasoned banking industry professional, Mrs. Faz has dedicated 20 years to First Financial Bank since joining in 2005. With 28 years of experience in mortgage lending, she has become a cornerstone of the institution’s success. Vanessa’s notable contributions include establishing the Affordable Home Loan program, a pioneering initiative that empowers low- to moderate-income families to realize their dream of homeownership.

Fluent in Spanish, Vanessa plays a crucial role in assisting Spanish-speaking borrowers navigate the intricacies of the mortgage loan process. As an underwriter for First Financial Mortgage, she specializes in FHA, VA, and USDA mortgage loans, showcasing her expertise in diverse financial products.

Coinciding with her professional achievements, Vanessa actively contributes to the community. She served on the Professional Women in Building board, where she shared her insights and experiences with fellow industry professionals and contributed to the PWB Scholarship Committee's success for over 15 years. Additionally, Vanessa served on the executive boards of both Habitat for Humanity and the Abilene Housing Authority, demonstrating her commitment to advancing housing initiatives and community development. Vanessa Faz was reappointed to the Abilene Housing Authority Board in November 2023 and currently serves as their board chair.

Vanessa and her husband, Ramiro, have been married for 31 years. Their daughter, Laura, and son-in-law, Christian, most recently promoted Vanessa to the title of "MIMI," as her family welcomed their first grandbaby in 2025. Vanessa enjoys gardening, fishing, and spending precious time with her loved ones.

Eligibility

• Recipient of high school diploma or GED certificate
• Currently residing in Abilene Housing Authority Public Housing or HCV-assisted housing