Vanessa Li-Davis grew up in Hong Kong and moved to the U.S. as an international student to pursue her passion for engineering. She obtained a degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from Indiana University Bloomington. She has been working in steel and aluminum industries throughout her career and is currently a Laboratory Leader at Novelis Aluminum.
At Novelis, Vanessa is a steering committee member for the BREATHE (Black Representatives Effectively Advocating Toward Human Equity) ERG. She has previously led mentorship programs, work-life integration initiatives, and various outreach events for local college and K-12 students.
Outside of her professional life, Vanessa is active in her community. She has hosted international students, volunteered as a mentor, led fundraising efforts for scholarships and educational programs for at-risk youth, and has spoken at colleges and schools and outreach at science museums and youth camps. Her work with organizations namely the Girl Scouts, Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation (WIMEF) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) further underscores her dedication to fostering diversity in the industry. She is currently a SWE Senator contributing to the Society’s strategic initiatives.
Vanessa’s achievements include her induction into the 2020 Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame and recognition through the 2022 Metalforming and Fabrication Women of Excellence Award, the 2025 Leading Lady Award from the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama, and the 2025 SWE Engaged Advocate Award—honoring her dedication to empowering young women from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM.
In her spare time, she enjoys sightseeing and exploring different restaurants. She resides in Mobile, AL with her husband.
