Vanessa Bryant, wife of the late Basketball player Kobe Bryant, is an American philanthropist and a business executive who has made a lasting impact through her advocacy for youth empowerment and support for underprivileged athletes.
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Early Life and Education
Vanessa Urbieta Cornejo was born on May 5, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. She was raised by her single mother, Sofia Urbieta, who was a Mexican immigrant. After her mother got married again to Stephen Laine, Vanessa adopted his surname, however, she wasn’t adopted legally still she chose the surname. She studied at Marina High School in Huntington Beach but completed her senior year through self- study due to media attention surrounding her relationship with Kobe Bryant.
How Did Vanessa Meet Kobe Bryant?
Moving forward, let’s know how both Vanessa and Kobe met. In 1999, while she was just 17 years, Vanessa met Kobe Bryant when she was working as a background dancer for a music video. Their relationship quickly became serious,which leading to their engagement in just six months. The couple then tied the knot in 2001. Despite ups and downs, including a brief divorce filing in 2011, they remained together until Kobe’s tragic death in 2020.
Career and Philanthropic Work
Vanessa also co-founded the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation in 2007 to provide scholarships for underprivilaged students. After Kobe and their daughter Gianna’s death in a 2020 helicopter crash, she renamed her husband's sports foundation to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation in honour of Gianna.
Legal Battles and Public Advocacy
Vanessa has never stepped back from taking a stand for herself. She won a $28.85 million settlement against LA County over unauthorized photos from the 2020 crash site. She donated this amount to her foundation for helping the underprivilaged.
She has also faced some personal controversies, including a public fallout and legal battle with her mother over financial disputes and an earlier lawsuit involving a former housekeeper, which was settled.
Personal Life and Legacy
Vanessa has four daughters with Kobe Bryant, including Gianna who has passed away. Despite all the ups and downs she continued to carry forward the legacy of both her husband and daughter through her active philanthropy and public presence.
Present
Currently, Vanessa has launched the Mambacita clothing line, to support underprivileged and young athletes and is serving as President and CEO of Granity Studios. She also works with Baby2Baby to aid women and children in poverty.
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