Nyia Slade
Detroit,MI
Summary
Strategic marketing leader with over 7 years of experience developing and executing campaigns and outreach strategies that connect people to opportunity and drive measurable results. Skilled in team leadership, strategic planning, and project development, with a focus on creating clear, accessible pathways in complex environments. Leverages relationships, storytelling, and data to shape messaging that increases awareness and supports informed decision-making. Committed to designing inclusive strategies that expand access and strengthen communities.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Detroit Promise, Manager, Marketing & Engagement
Detroit Regional Chamber
Detroit, MI
07.2023 - Current
- Lead and manage the Marketing & Communications team, providing supervision, coaching, and performance oversight across outreach, communications, and social media functions.
- Oversee a $200K+ marketing budget, strategically allocating resources across campaigns, vendor partnerships, and outreach initiatives.
- Lead the development and execution of Detroit Promise’s general awareness campaign, including out-of-home (OOH), digital, and multi-channel efforts to expand program visibility.
- Lead citywide marketing strategy reaching over 600,000 Detroit residents, using strategic storytelling and integrated campaigns to drive awareness and engagement.
- Partner with an external marketing strategy firm and vendors to support messaging redevelopment, strengthen brand positioning, and refine storytelling for key stakeholder audiences.
- Develop and implement targeted audience strategies, including a parent/guardian engagement strategy, while directing integrated, multi-channel campaigns (email, SMS, digital, and social) reaching 200,000+ stakeholders annually.
- Establish and leverage performance metrics and analytics to inform strategy, optimize campaigns, and improve outcomes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with leadership and partners to align marketing strategy with organizational priorities.
Detroit Promise, Outreach Coordinator
Detroit Regional Chamber
Detroit, MI
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Built and managed strategic partnerships across 25+ Detroit high schools and community organizations, driving student registration, engagement, and verification efforts for the Detroit Promise Scholarship.
- Led outreach and engagement efforts across the city of Detroit, increasing awareness and participation among 9th–12th grade students and their families.
- Facilitated and supported convening's and trainings for key stakeholders, including school leaders, counselors, and partners, to strengthen understanding and implementation of Detroit Promise processes and requirements.
- Coordinated and executed large-scale K–12 outreach campaigns, including 150+ school visits and classroom engagements, contributing to increased application and verification outcomes.
- Managed outreach tracking systems and engagement data, ensuring accuracy of school partnerships, student interactions, and campaign performance to support data-informed decision-making.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with marketing, postsecondary, and community engagement teams to align messaging, outreach strategy, and student engagement efforts across the pipeline.
- Led coordination of college access experiences, including college tours and Decision Day programming, to support student exposure, enrollment readiness, and postsecondary planning.
Charter Schools Office , Graduate Assistant
Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Applied student development theory to the design and execution of college access and success programming, bridging academic frameworks with real-world implementation.
- Collaborated with authorized high schools across Michigan to support college access initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and expand program reach.
- Supported the development and implementation of an inaugural coaching model in partnership with Muskegon-area schools, enhancing student support systems and postsecondary readiness outcomes.
- Coordinated and executed college access initiatives, including campus visits and college readiness programming, to support student enrollment and persistence.
- Provided advising and support to charter school alumni enrolled at GVSU, connecting students to academic, career, and personal development resources.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised student ambassadors, strengthening peer engagement and program delivery.
- Planned and facilitated orientation programs and group sessions to support student transition and retention.
Black Excellence Orientation , Assistant Lead
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
07.2017 - 08.2021
- Co-led the design and launch of the inaugural Black Excellence Orientation, developing a culturally responsive onboarding experience to support the transition and success of first-year students of color.
- Established and led a student advisory board to inform program strategy, elevate student voice, and strengthen engagement initiatives.
- Served as a strategic partner to the Office of Multicultural Affairs leadership, supporting program development, planning, and execution of Black Excellence initiatives.
- Designed and implemented year-round engagement strategies to support students of color, fostering belonging, retention, and continued connection to the Black Excellence cohort.
- Developed and executed programming to support academic, social, and cultural integration for participating students.
- Recruited, trained, and led orientation leaders and student staff to deliver high-impact programming experiences.
Financial Aid Student Support Specialist
GVSU Officie of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Allendale, MI
09.2015 - 05.2019
- Advised students and families on financial aid processes, including FAFSA completion, eligibility, and funding options, supporting informed decision-making.
- Processed financial aid documentation, including verifications, professional judgments, and aid packaging, ensuring compliance with federal and institutional regulations.
- Utilized financial aid systems (Banner, Argos, Hyland) to manage student records and administer aid programs effectively.
- Delivered financial aid workshops and presentations to support student understanding of FAFSA, borrowing, and financial aid processes.
Education
Doctor of Education - Organizational Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ04.2027
Bachelor of Science - Multimedia Journalism
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI04.2019
Master of Education - Student Affairs Leadership
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI04.2021
Skills
- Strategic Marketing & Communications
- Brand Strategy & Messaging
- Campaign Strategy & Execution
- Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Data Analysis & Performance Tracking
- Project Management (Mondaycom)
- Budget Management
Timeline
Detroit Promise, Manager, Marketing & Engagement
Detroit Regional Chamber
07.2023 - Current
Detroit Promise, Outreach Coordinator
Detroit Regional Chamber
09.2022 - 06.2023
Charter Schools Office , Graduate Assistant
Grand Valley State University
08.2019 - 08.2021
Black Excellence Orientation , Assistant Lead
Grand Valley State University
07.2017 - 08.2021
Financial Aid Student Support Specialist
GVSU Officie of Financial Aid & Scholarships
09.2015 - 05.2019
Doctor of Education - Organizational Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Multimedia Journalism
Grand Valley State University
Master of Education - Student Affairs Leadership
Grand Valley State University