Vanessa Tillo

B.S. & M.S. Mechanical Engineering, WSU

Vanessa Tillo, originally from the Metro-Detroit area, completed both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University, graduating with honors.  Additionally, she completed her Executive MBA with honors from Michigan State University where FCA Automotive fully sponsored her. She was lean manufacture trained at MIT, receiving a lean certification from MIT.  She also received her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2011.

With over 18 years automotive experience, Vanessa currently works as a Key Account Manager at Henkel Corporation focusing on the EV market.  Previous to the business leadership role, Vanessa led total quality management at FCA Automotive from 2012-2018 for some of FCA's highest performing, highest profile vehicles. Vanessa started her career at Toyota in 2005 where she worked in Ann Arbor, Los Angeles, and Toyota City, Japan locations.  As an international travel enthusiast, she was given the opportunity to work overseas in Japan and has traveled to over 70 countries.  Traveling is her way of expressing and fulfilling her need to connect with the world. She enjoys experiencing new cities, exploring new cultures, and meeting new people.  Vanessa also has a philanthropic passion for serving and helping those in need.  She has been involved with many high school / middle school youth groups, mission work in Haiti, and leading local retreats.   These experiences have proven invaluable to her personal and professional development, helping her to appreciate the need for cultural sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, and life-long learning.