nneka carrie ude
Strategist.
Storyteller.
Entrepreneur.
Data Evangelist.
I inject a healthy dose of passion into everything I touch.
ABOUT
ME
I’m not someone who exists within the limitations of a title or the expectations of others.
I take pride in asking ‘why’ and thrive in the quandary of ‘why not’?
I’m passionate about two things:
1. creating work that makes people feel seen,
2. using data to reframe the narratives of underrepresented communities worldwide
A 20-YEAR TRACK RECORD
Adjunct INstructor / Gender & Marketing
Loyola University Chicago / 2023 - present
VP, Strategy
Arc Worldwide / 2019 - present
Strategy Director
Geometry (VMLY&R Commerce) / 2017 -2019
Freelance Strategy Director
FCBX / 2016 - 2017
Strategy Director
Havas / 2015 - 2016
Associate Strategy Director
Various IPG Agencies / 2005 - 2014
Brand
engagement
CPG:
TRESemme, Shea Moisture, NeXXus, Vaseline, Coca-Cola
TECH:
Intel Global, US Cellular, Samsung Home Appliances
ALC/BEV:
Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Jameson, Barefoot
award-winning advertising strategist
2021 Rising Star
Chicago Advertising Federation
2018 Reggie Award Winner
3X North America Effie’s Judge
industry recognition
2023 Loyola University Chicago, Black Excellence Award Nominee
2022 Adweek Executive Mentee
2020 Vanguard Fellow
people, brands, data, and tech.
I live at the intersection of
people, brands, and technology
I'm a builder and developer. In today's economy having an entrepreneurial mindset is the only way to get ahead.
I love working and being amongst the ranks of those who aim to challenge the norm,
see the world not as it is, but as it should be, and are willing to take a massive risk.
PASSION & DUTY
Children’s Book Author
www.nnekawritesbooks.com
Cook County Council for Digital Equity
Education Committee Co-Chair
Marketing Advisory Committee
Loyola University Chicago
MY WORK
A smattering of projects I’ve been lucky enough to either lead or touch.
01
Mark of the maker tour
Experiential Strategy
Maker’s Mark, 2018
02
your style made simple
audience and Commerce strategy
Unilever x Walmart, 2023
03
locally grown wireless
brand strategy
US Cellular Corp, 2020
04
ALDER LAKE Launch
Global Retail strategy
INTEL GLOBAL, 2021
MY MAGIC
I use fashion to reconnect the world to the beauty and creativity of Africa.
LOVE DOT is an internationally crafted fashion and lifestyle brand made for individuals brave enough to ignore their fears and bold enough to chase their dreams.
We use traditional West African textiles to challenge conventional norms of fashion. Collections are crafted in limited quantities, repurposing excess fabric for wallets, scarves, etc.
We manufacture in partnership with established, African-owned and operated, small businesses from Johannesburg to Accra.
BOOKS
I use words and media to create new narratives to champion the power of inclusion.
My goal is to create content that helps parents instill positive values in their children.
Titles can be purchased online at:
“Thank You Mommy, Lessons in Everyday Gratitude.”
Book 1
“My Daddy is Awesome!”
Book 2
FILM
THE XCHANGE
Launched in 2018, The XCHANGE was an 8-episode web series designed to elevate the voices of emerging Black leaders and entrepreneurs in tech.
Fabian and Dineo Elliott
BLACK TECH MECCA
Joi Weathersby and KC Kyles
Podcaster / Actor
MY VOICE
A snapshot of speaking engagements, interviews, and panels over the years.
COMMERCEWEEK, Feb 2024
WORKING YOUR WAY PODCAST, Dec 2023
Creative Mornings Chicago, Sept 2021
AMA San Francisco, “Redefining Marketing in a More Diverse America, Sept 2020
AMA Chicago, “What’s Next Owning Change, Talent, and Influence in Today’s (and Tomorrow’s) Marketing Landscape, May 2019
Get in touch
Consulting (consumer / Go-to-market strategy / Brand-Product positioning)
speaking / PANEL engagements
Market expansion STRATEGY - consumer products (focus on west africa)
EMAIL
nneka@lovedot.co
LINKEDIN
www.linkedin.com/in/nnekaude