LET’S TALK IMPACT WITH DUMEBI EGBUNA @ CHEZIE ON DEI & BELONGING AT THE WORKPLACE
ABOUT DUMEBI EGBUNA
Dumebi Egbuna is Co-founder and CMO of Chezie, a D&I-focused start-up with the mission of creating the most inclusive and equitable companies on earth.
Upon graduation, Dumebi began working for IBM within the business development and sales organization. She is responsible for driving the company’s strategic initiatives for their data and AI brand, delivering more than $100 million in revenue through the partner ecosystem.
It was at IBM that she found her passion for helping minorities succeed in spaces that have previously not been accessible to them, like higher education and corporate America. She knows what it’s like to be the only Black woman at the table, and has dedicated herself to helping people with similar backgrounds break down barriers.
Dumebi was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina after her family immigrated to the United States. She attended Emory University where she played basketball and majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Strategic Consulting.
PRODUCED BY: Janusz Kedra
CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: https://open.spotify.com/episode/700r7Jx3jcRtlrfoxSl6c6?si=035b98137f8f422f
ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Let’s Talk Impact is a podcast series that explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact. Hosted by Justyna Kedra and produced by The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and WERULE, the podcast features interviews with a diverse range of changemakers. From government officials to activists and entrepreneurs, these guests share their insights on the evolving definition of impactful work and the motivations driving their efforts. By focusing on the stories behind the initiatives, Let’s Talk Impact aims to inspire and inform listeners about the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change in the world.
ABOUT THE HOST:
Justyna Kedra, the founder of WERULE, received her BFA degree from Parsons the New School where she successfully finished their toughest major: Fashion Design. Since then she worked in Public Relations with celebrities ranging from Jeremy Scott, Lady Gaga to Madonna at People’s Revolution under the wing of Kelly Cutrone. Justyna is also no stranger to the corporate world working for 6 years in financial services at American Express generating over 20 Billion in acquisitions for Centurion, Platinum, Green Cards as well features such as their most successful “Employee Card” treatment. She also served as an advisor to the American Express’ President of US Consumer Services on topics related to the team’s culture.
She is a mentor & a team member at The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and a mentor at the Tory Burch Foundation, the AARP Foundation x Bridge for Billions program for aspiring founders over 50. Because of her work, she was recognized as the youngest Champion of Change at the United Nations. A book she co-authored with Erika De La Cruz, Editor in Chief at The La Girl, has become a bestseller across multiple categories and is available at Barnes and Noble.
Justyna also hosts a podcast, a collaboration between WERULE and The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative, called Let’s Talk Impact, which was in the top 5% most shared podcasts globally according to Spotify Wrapped.
ABOUT IMPACT ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE:
The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative (IEI) at The New School fosters a transformative approach to business and social change. We equip students with the skills to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable ventures that address pressing global challenges. Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships, we empower students to become agents of positive change and build a more equitable world.
ABOUT WERULE:
WERULE is a global platform dedicated to connecting individuals with life-changing mentors. Founded in 2015, they started by sharing stories of successful female entrepreneurs, becoming a recognized resource for women seeking inspiration and guidance. Today, WERULE offers a wider range of resources, including an AI-powered mentorship app used by businesses and organizations worldwide. Their mission is to make mentorship accessible to everyone, regardless of background or stage in life. They believe in the transformative power of mentorship and strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Questions on our events, podcast, blog or Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative? Email Justyna Kedra at justyna@newschool.edu