Since taking the helm more than ten years ago, Vanessa Fukunaga—Owner, President & CEO of Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate—has been a trailblazing force in the luxury real estate sector. A seasoned expert across real estate, publishing and strategic marketing, she is also a recognized visionary leader, media personality, public speaker and panel moderator. With a dynamic presence on and off the stage, she also excels as a brand strategist—delivering world-class events, curating exceptional experiences, and elevating global conversations around investment, lifestyle, and innovation. From her pioneering sales tactics to her groundbreaking brand strategies, her influence spans far beyond the industry itself, leaving an indelible mark on the global business and philanthropic landscapes. Fukunaga’s extensive list of accolades—both personal and company-wide—underscores the lasting impact of her leadership, innovation and results. Today, she is widely respected as the voice of luxury real estate in México’s Baja California, redefining what it means to lead in a competitive, global market.
Her journey is one of bold vision and purposeful foresight. In 2012, after the acquisition of Snell Real Estate, she went on to bring in the first Engel & Völkers franchise in México—marking a pivotal milestone in the brand’s international growth. Under her leadership, the company has achieved nearly $3.6 billion in sales since inception—celebrating 28 years in business and reaffirming its position as the #1 luxury real estate brokerage in México. Fukunaga’s relentless drive has built a powerhouse team of top-tier advisors and guided an elite clientele in the buying and selling of ultra-luxury properties throughout Los Cabos and beyond.
Fukunaga believes, “Luxury is a service, not a price point. Delivering a luxury real estate experience is a true art—it takes skill, global connections, and being attuned to the marketplace.”
Her leadership extends far beyond real estate. As Owner, CEO & Publisher of Ocean Blue World, a global luxury networking platform, Fukunaga continues to push boundaries in media and experiential branding. From the award-winning Ocean Blue Magazine to exclusive events and curated lifestyle moments, she offers a 360-degree approach to luxury storytelling. Her podcast, Mod Pod with Fukunaga, features insightful conversations with global change-makers, spotlighting those making meaningful strides in business and community leadership.
Deeply committed to the greater good of the Los Cabos region, Fukunaga spearheads a range of philanthropic efforts—contributing time, resources, and expertise to causes that uplift lives and empower communities. Whether through charitable partnerships, local outreach programs or behind-the-scenes support, her actions are rooted in compassion and a belief that true leadership is measured by the impact one has on others. She leads by example, mobilizing her teams, platforms and networks to amplify initiatives across education, health, youth development and social well-being. Her philanthropic philosophy is grounded in action and engagement, continually inspiring others to think bigger, give more, and lead with generosity and heart.
Visionary in mindset, strategic in execution, and powered by an unshakable drive, Vanessa Fukunaga leads with bold, purpose-driven intent—shaping the future of luxury real estate, media and entrepreneurship. Her commitment to excellence, innovation, and elevating others continues to set new benchmarks in leadership, while her influence is helping to position Los Cabos as one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Making her mark on the global stage, Fukunaga feels that in many ways, she has only just begun.
“Success knows no limits—only the boundaries one dares to push, one bold move at a time,” - Vanessa L. Fukunaga
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INDUSTRY RECOGNITIONS
Vanessa Fukunaga, 2025 Luxury Real Estate Powerhouse, The European
Most Trusted Name in Luxury Real Estate in 2025, The European
2025 Leading Luxury Real Estate Brokerage in México, Global Elite Awards
2025 Best Luxury Brokerage, Luxuri Awards
Most Iconic Leaders Shaping Luxury Real Estate & Global Business in 2025, The Enterprise World
2025 Best Luxury Lifestyle Magazine in Mexico, Ocean Blue Magazine, Luxury Lifestyle Awards
2024 Female Executive of the Year, Titan Woman In Business Awards
Robb Report’s 2024 Masters of Luxury
2024 Best Luxury Real Estate Brokerage in Mexico, Luxuri Awards
Most Inspiring Women Leaders To Follow In 2024, Success Knocks Magazine
2024 Best Luxury Lifestyle Magazine in Mexico, Ocean Blue Magazine, Luxury Lifestyle Awards
2023 Female Executive of the Year; Titan, Women in Business Awards
Best Luxury Real Estate Agency in Mexico 2023; Luxury Lifestyle Awards
Best Real Estate Brokerage in Mexico 2023-2024; SIX CONSECUTIVE YEARS; International Property Awards
Best Luxury Real Estate Firm 2023 – Mexico; Corporate Excellence Awards
2023 Outstanding Property Award, Villa Love & Peace, Opal Awards
TOP 100 Real Estate Brokers & Developers of the World 2023; Luxury Lifestyle Awards (nominee)
Transaction Of The Year 2023; GRI Awards Mexico (nominee)
Best Overall Company Marketing; Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate (nominee)
2023, Diamond Elite, Engel & Völkers Americas
GRI Club Member since 2023
Realm Global Member since 2023
30 Best CEOs 2022 – Silicon Review
10 Most Iconic Business Women To Watch 2022 - Success Knocks Magazine
The 10 Most Successful Women in Real Estate, 2022 – Success Pitchers Magazine
Most Outstanding Leaders in Luxury Real Estate 2022 – Mexico; Corporate Excellence Awards
2022, Chairman's Circle, Engel & Völkers Americas
2021, 30 Most Valuable Brands of the Year, Silicon Review
2020, Alianza Comunitaria BCS Special Recognition
Consejo Coordinador De Los Cabos Member since 2020
Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) since 2018
2019, Inspirational Women In The Community, Esperanza an Auberge Resort
AMA Foundation Board Member since 2019
Boys & Girls Club Board Member since 2019
Best Lifestyle Branding Video 2017, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate
Born Leader 2017, Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate Company Awards
Engel & Völkers Private Office designation since 2017
Business Women and Professional Ladies Club of Los Cabos since 2016
Board of Regents Member, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate since 2015
2013, License Partner, first Engel & Völkers in Mexico
2004 Chairman’s Award, Outstanding Sales Performance, TQ3 Navigant
2003 Chairman’s Award, Information Technology Outstanding Customer Service, Navigant
