Tanesha Wade was named executive vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion & chief impact officer on May 1, 2024. She 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 DEI principles across all organizational facets, from player and alumni relations to fan engagement and internal team dynamics. She collaborates with club leadership, alumni, DEI Council, advisory boards and stakeholders to foster strategic partnerships, promote equity and inclusivity, grow access to youth sports and amplify marginalized voices, ensuring the Bears' initiatives and core tenets resonate broadly and rise to the occasion for Chicagoland and the Bears' global communities.
Wade will be instrumental in enhancing the Bears' outreach and engagement with local communities. She will focus on establishing strategic partnerships that address social justice issues, thereby enriching the community fabric and fostering sustainable impact. Through her leadership, the Bears amplify their efforts in charity and local development and giving, work to diversify the club's partners and vendors, and create inclusive opportunities for business and societal advancement. Her extensive experience in events and entertainment also informs her approach to integrating DEI into the Bears' broader engagement strategies, ensuring that all initiatives are inclusive and represent the diverse voices of the fan base.
Wade has been an integral part of the Bears organization since 2013, initially serving as the director of events and entertainment, where she was tasked with shaping and implementing the team's event and game presentation strategies. In 2021, she ascended to the role of senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. In that capacity, she was instrumental in diversifying senior leadership and influencing hiring processes to enhance diversity across the organization.
In addition to her role with the Bears, Tanesha serves as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University's School of Professional Studies, sits on the board of Women in Sports and Events (WISE) Chicago, and mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her DEI approach is marked by a commitment to "forever work," which she believes is essential for genuine cultural transformation.
