Niena Drake

Founder | Keynote Speaker | Creator & DJ

Professional Overview
Niena Drake is a multifaceted media professional with over two decades of experience across diverse roles in the entertainment and broadcast industries. As the Founder of the Emma Bowen Foundation, she leverages her expertise to drive diversity and inclusion initiatives within the media and technology sectors. Additionally, Niena serves as a Board Member and Co-Chair of the Advancement Committee at Columbia College Chicago, where she provides strategic guidance and oversight.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

• Founder, Emma Bowen Foundation (2018 - Present)

• Established a non-profit organization focused on increasing minority representation in media and technology through education, mentorship, and career development programs.

• Oversees all organizational operations, fundraising, and strategic partnerships to achieve the foundation's mission.

• Board Member, Co-Chair Advancement Committee, Columbia College Chicago (2020 - Present)

• Provides leadership and direction to the college's advancement efforts, including fundraising, alumni engagement, and external relations.

• Collaborates with the administration to enhance the institution's visibility and support its long-term growth.

• Keynote Speaker, Creator & DJ, Nike (2008 - Present)

• Delivers impactful presentations at industry events and conferences, sharing insights on media, diversity, and entrepreneurship.

• Conceptualizes and curates music-driven experiences for Nike's global brand initiatives.

Career Progression
Niena's distinguished career spans a range of roles in media production, content development, and talent management. She has held senior positions at leading organizations, including Showrunner/Executive Producer and Director at Kin Community, Producer and Executive Producer at DONE+DUSTED, and Senior Supervising Producer at CBS Interactive and Entertainment Tonight. Her versatility and expertise have enabled her to excel in diverse areas, from television production and music supervision to on-air hosting and digital content creation.

Academic Background
Niena holds a Bachelor's degree from Columbia College Chicago, where she specialized in Broadcast Journalism. Her academic achievements and ongoing involvement with the institution demonstrate her commitment to education and professional development.

Areas of Expertise

• Media production and content creation

• Diversity and inclusion initiatives

• Talent management and brand building

• Live event programming and music curation

• Strategic leadership and organizational development

Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Niena has made significant contributions to the media and entertainment industries. As the Founder of the Emma Bowen Foundation, she has spearheaded initiatives that have helped to diversify the talent pipeline and create more equitable opportunities for underrepresented communities. Her work as a keynote speaker and creator at Nike has also amplified important conversations around representation and empowerment.

Conclusion
Niena Drake's multifaceted career and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion have positioned her as a respected leader in the media and entertainment sectors. Her ability to navigate diverse roles, from content production to philanthropic leadership, showcases her versatility and strategic vision. As Niena continues to drive meaningful change through her various initiatives, she remains a sought-after voice and innovator in the industry.