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