She made her film debut in 1991 in “New Jack City.” Williams appeared in “Law & Order,” “The Cosby Show,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Mother” playing opposite Lisa Kudrow and Albert Brooks. She garnered rave reviews for her performance in Steven Bochco's critically acclaimed television drama “Murder One” and “Chicago Hope” (earning her first NAACP Image Award nomination). Moreover, she played diverse roles in productions such as FOX’s original hit series “Melrose Place,” Showtime’s longest running drama series “Soul Food” for which she won a NAACP Image Award (five nominations total), “Flirting With Forty,” which received impressive ratings and another Image Award nomination.

Vanessa also received a Daytime Emmy nomination for her extraordinary work in Our America - a Showtime original movie. On the big screen, she co-starred in Imagine That with Eddie Murphy and costars in the upcoming feature film, Redemption with Michael Madsen and Louis Gossett, Jr. Williams is the author of a collection of poetry and prose titled “Shine” which has appeared in national publications including Essence Magazine. “Shine” inspired her most recent theatre work, a one-woman play called “Feet On The Ceiling!” This coming of age story premiered at the 2011 National Black Theatre Festival to packed houses and rave reviews.

As a filmmaker, she wrote, directed and produced the short film “Dense”, which aired on Showtime. She serves on the board of the Black Aids Institute, has directed many of her entertainment colleagues in PSAs for the organization and actively campaigns throughout Hollywood to contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Williams was raised in New York City and currently resides in California.