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.

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.

I use words and media to create new narratives to champion the power of inclusion.

Titles can be purchased online at:

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)