Tanesha Wade

Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Chicago Bears

Tanesha Wade joined the Chicago Bears Football Club in June 2013 as director of events and entertainment overseeing the vision and creative direction, development and execution of the team’s events, game presentation, production and entertainment programming. Her responsibilities expanded beyond gameday and entailed managing engagement efforts to appeal to an increasingly diverse and youthful fan base with an operation of more than 150 staff, talent and contractors.

Tanesha’s leadership and professional experience spans more than 20 years and has uniquely aligned with the next phase of her career as the club’s recently named Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This role oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive DEI strategy, including the launch of the club’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council to lead and champion DEI efforts across the Chicago Bears organization.

Wade intersects her passion with purpose through commitment to advocacy within her current role and through the various leadership, advisory and mentorship roles she holds with multiple organizations. In addition, she serves as an adjunct professor for Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies.

Prior to joining the Bears, Tanesha worked for University of Minnesota Athletics Department development office and the Chicago Rush Arena Football Team. Wade holds a bachelor of science degree from Oregon State University where she was a member of the women’s basketball team.