Vanessa Adams

Somewhere between running kids to activities and being a dedicated spouse, Vanessa finds time to be an advocate for all the women in her field and does what she can to leave the world better than she found it.

What makes you feel proud?

I'm proud of my family and the beautiful life we have built for our children, as well as the barriers I have broken professionally as a minority female in the field of engineering. Not only am I a loyal and dedicated spouse, sister and mother, but I also pride myself on being an amazing friend. I am the type that cheers for everyone to win and wishes no ill will on others.

What keeps you up at night?

I'm often awake trying to think of ways that my daughters can live lives where ceilings and barriers do night exists.

Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?

My parents are the biggest influences. I lost my Father when I was only 10 years old, and I learned at an early age that tomorrow is not promised, but the love you give and legacy you leave is eternal. From my Mother I learned that self-care is important and that you can be both beautiful and powerful, while also carrying yourself with class is the true measure of being a woman.

What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?

I think the biggest obstacles for me have been defining who I am and establishing the woman I want to be. Being a career mom and wife, in a male-dominated field has had its challenges, but I have stayed the course.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

With every opportunity, make sure you are running to something and not from something.

“I lost my Father when I was only 10 years old, and I learned at an early age that tomorrow is not promised, but the love you give and legacy you leave is eternal.”

One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?

I pray a year from now that I'm more wise about how to invest in things that benefit my marriage and my family for generations to come. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?