The FBI Columbia field office has named Vanessa Mota, of Columbia, as the 2021 recipient of the FBI Columbia Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA).

Mota was nominated by the FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge, Susan Ferensic, for demonstrating outstanding contributions to the community through her service.

Mota is the founder and owner of Mota Crosslinking Business Academy (MCBA). MCBA focuses on addressing the need for more business programs geared toward the diverse populations within the community. The Academy hosts numerous events to help bridge those gaps, including the South Carolina Latino, Indigenous, European, and Black Business Days. The MCBA also seeks to advance cooperation between law enforcement and ethnic and minority groups by creating events and programs that bring these groups together to engage with one another.

“Having a safe community also takes the work of those outside of law enforcement who are willing to dedicate their time and resources to provide people opportunities to be successful,” said Ferensic. “Mota’s leadership has played a role in the lives of so many people, and we are happy to give her due recognition for her efforts.”

The DCLA, formally created in 1990, is presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI to honor individuals and organizations for their contributions to efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.

The FBI Columbia field office is grateful for Mota’s work in South Carolina and wishes her and MCBA continued success.