She is best known for portraying the role of Gabriella Montez in High School Musical, where she gained her popularity. The movie became popular not only in America but in some parts of the world. Because of that, sexy and hot Vanessa was offered a contract by Old Navy for a commercials. She's also the new face of Neutrogena and an edorser of Ecko line.

Vanessa was born in Salinas, California. She has Filipino Chinese ethnicities from her mother, and American Indian from her father. She began performing at her early age, appearing in musicals. Her musical theater roles include leads in Evita, Carousel, The Wizard of Oz, The King and I and more.

She's a talented actress, she can dance, sing and act. But enjoys singing just as much as dancing and acting. She got her first official single from her debut album V called “Come Back to Me”, which achieved #55 on the US Billboard charts.

Because the first High School Musical spawned a hit soundtrack, the cast traveled for a concert tour and a show at Walt Disney World. A book series was also published that helped Vanessa land in Forbes magazine's list of top-earning stars under 21. She was #7 with estimated earnings of $2 million. Currently, she will reprise her role as Gabriella in the third installment of the High School Musical franchise.