Shaped by a global perspective and a commitment to expanding access to knowledge, Winnie Li works as senior manager for content partnerships at OverDrive, a leading digital media and publishing platform. In this role, she guides strategic relationships that connect libraries and schools with high-quality digital content, ensuring that books and educational resources reach readers regardless of geography or circumstance. Her work reflects a conviction that equitable access to information strengthens communities and supports lifelong learning. Through her leadership and strategic negotiation, she has established herself as a trusted voice in digital media and publishing, recognized for striking a balance between innovation and mission-driven outcomes.
Ms. Li’s educational background established the analytical and strategic foundation that continues to guide her professional work. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Case Western Reserve University, where she developed a strong command of market analysis, organizational behavior, and data-informed decision-making. She later completed a Master of Business Administration at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Her graduate studies deepened her expertise in strategy, leadership, and global business operations, equipping her to navigate complex negotiations and lead cross-functional initiatives within an evolving digital landscape.
Born in Guangzhou, Ms. Li brings an international outlook to her professional life, an influence that has shaped her approach to publishing partnerships and cultural exchange. Her career has centered on the intersection of technology, education, and access, with a focus on building systems that connect publishers, libraries, and readers in meaningful ways. At OverDrive, she plays a central role in advancing the organization’s mission as a Certified B Corporation by helping ensure that content acquisition and licensing models align with the values of equity and sustainability.
As senior manager for content partnerships, Ms. Li oversees publisher relationships and licensing strategies that expand the availability of digital books and educational materials. Her work supports millions of students, educators, and library users, including individuals in underserved and under-resourced communities. By negotiating improved licensing terms and fostering collaboration with publishing partners, she has helped remove barriers to access and strengthened OverDrive’s global impact. This achievement stands as a defining contribution of her career and reflects her ability to align business objectives with public good.
Ms. Li’s professional journey at OverDrive began in a business development role, where she quickly distinguished herself through her ability to identify opportunities and cultivate long-term partnerships. Over time, her responsibilities expanded to include strategic planning, innovative business model development, and advocacy for the role of digital libraries in education. Her leadership has supported OverDrive’s growth while reinforcing the importance of digital content as a tool for academic success and community enrichment.
Beyond her work within OverDrive, Ms. Li is an active contributor to the global publishing community. She has been invited to speak before the General Assembly of the International Publishers Association, where she has addressed the evolving role of digital libraries and their influence on global reading habits. Her insights have also been featured at major international publishing events, including the Frankfurt Book Fair and the London Book Fair. At these forums, she is recognized for her ability to translate complex digital trends into practical guidance for publishers and content creators.
Ms. Li maintains professional affiliations that reflect her commitment to industry collaboration and civic engagement. She is an active member of the Chinese American Librarians Association, the International Publishers Association, and the Audio Publishers Association. Additionally, she serves on the board of MotivAsians for Cleveland, an organization dedicated to promoting professional development and leadership growth within Asian American communities. Through this service, she contributes her expertise to initiatives that promote mentorship, visibility and opportunity.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Li is committed to community service. She volunteers with the Animal Protective League, reflecting her compassion and sense of responsibility beyond the workplace. In her personal time, she enjoys reading and traveling, pursuits that align with her lifelong interest in culture, storytelling and global connection.
Ms. Li remains focused on supporting the continued growth of OverDrive and the people she works with. She is motivated by opportunities to expand access to digital content while helping her team members advance in their own careers. With a builder’s mindset and a strong sense of purpose, she continues to shape partnerships that extend knowledge, strengthen communities, and reaffirm the role of publishing as a force for positive change.