Tanesha Wade enters her 13th season with the Chicago Bears in 2025 and was named Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Chief Impact Officer on May 1, 2024.
Wade works closely with President & CEO Kevin Warren and the executive leadership team to lead the continued development and execution of a comprehensive, community-centered DEI strategy for the Bears. Her work integrates Club principles across all organizational facets, from player and alumni relations to fan engagement and internal team dynamics. Wade collaborates with club leadership, alumni, advisory boards and various stakeholders to foster strategic partnerships, promote equity and inclusivity, grow access to youth sports locally and globally and amplify marginalized voices, ensuring organizational initiatives and mission-driven priorities resonate broadly to make a meaningful impact throughout our communities.
Through her leadership, the Bears will continue to champion enhanced efforts in local community outreach and engagement, charitable giving initiatives, supplier and partner diversification and inclusive opportunities for business accessibility and economic advancement. Wade and her staff focus on the development, strategic design and implementation of the organization's community engagement and social impact initiatives, overseeing the evolution and operation of key social justice efforts, player and alumni engagement and advancement of philanthropic efforts. Her team serves as a vital link across departments and between the organization and community stakeholders, ensuring that efforts align with the organization's mission, while fostering a sustainable impact.
Wade has been an integral member of the organization since 2013, initially serving as the Director of Events and Entertainment, where she was tasked with shaping and implementing the team's event, production and game presentation strategies. Wade ascended to the role of Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2021, where she was instrumental in developing the framework for the Club's diversity, equity and inclusion framework and foundational efforts.
Prior to joining the Bears, Wade spent five years at the University of Minnesota, overseeing stewardship events and premium seating program sales and service operations for the athletics department. In addition to her role, Wade is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University's School of Professional Studies, sits on the advisory board of Women in Sports and Events (WISE) Chicago, and serves as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Wade is a graduate of Oregon State University, where she was also a member of the women's basketball team.
