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Alumni Sit Down with Chukwukere Ekeh, '15
Written By: Rachel Putman
At 6-foot-9, Chukwukere Ekeh has always been hard to miss. On campus, he was a disciplined student-athlete, a dedicated campus leader, and a Dean’s List marketing major. Today, he moves between worlds with the same ease he had at UAFS, leading brand strategy for a global crypto company, advising early-stage founders, modeling for major fashion houses, and speaking to audiences that range from rural school gyms to executive summits.
His résumé includes partnerships across sports and culture, an international campaign modeling alongside Shaquille O’Neal, and a rapid trajectory that feels as astounding as it does inherent.
We caught up with Ekeh, '15, to talk about imagination, invention, and what it really takes to build a career – and a life – with range.
I have to start here: when you were running drills at UAFS, did you have any sense you’d end up leading brand for a global tech company or modeling with Shaq?
Ekeh: No idea at all, I had hopes though. I always aimed to believe great and beautiful things were possible for me and not just others. I asked a lot of questions, took many chances, and gave my best effort and I’m fortunate God blessed some of the results.
You move easily between boardrooms and photo shoots these days. When did you realize presence is a skill you can train, not just something you’re born with?
Ekeh: I actually thank my great parents that emphasized growth versus outcomes. The lesson is that as you do things, you learn, and then you’re able to do even more. Everyone starts as an amateur or beginner but it’s your choice if you stay that way forever.
When you think about the younger version of yourself, what would genuinely surprise him about your life now?
Ekeh: He would be surprised how much harder and sweeter the journey was than anticipated. That all success doesn’t feel as good as you imagined and some surprises are better than you would’ve even known to ask for.
You’ve stood on stages in South Africa talking about hope, you’ve pitched strategy to rooms full of executives, and you’ve mentored middle schoolers. Which version of you feels most at home? Which crowd is the most intimidating?
Ekeh: I'm at my best and in my flow state whenever I can share from my heart and on passion areas. I’m passionate about marketing because it's about unearthing truth and telling stories to people they’re made for. I love connection with people because it’s my life’s work to serve them and show them how valuable they are. I still get butterflies in all the situations because they deal with things that matter to and impact people but I’ve slowly but surely grown the courage to do them both often and authentically to me.
I’m curious about the pivot moments. Was there one decision or one leap of faith that you feel changed your trajectory?
Ekeh: Funny enough it’s the small moments I said yes to myself, to try. To go for modeling, to live in a new place with no connections, reach out to someone I’ve never met and ask for an opportunity, to take on a job in a new industry. Not that I’d be successful in every pursuit, I wasn’t (haha). But by taking the road to start I eventually made it a few places I can be proud of.
You’ve worked with massive brands, but you still talk about service. What inspired that in you?
Ekeh: Faith and mentorship. All of the people I admire most, serve others well, generously, and with love. No exceptions. I want to be like those people.
A lot of students want to “unlock their potential,” but that phrase can feel abstract. For you, what did “unlocking” actually require?
Ekeh: Unlocking for me means taking on a lifelong journey to learn things, adapt as the world is changing, but never lose the heart of who you are and what you’re here to do. Every person has a unique and meaningful purpose. It’s simple, not easy. To unlock yourself you have to fight discouragement, the desire to fit in, and the want of comfort. Growth and ease unfortunately do not share an address or even a zip code.
What’s still on your bucket list? What’s up next?
Ekeh: I’m a dreamer and pushing myself to actually increase their bounds. I would love to speak to over million people in my lifetime and continually uncover the words and stories that help people know they’re valuable, they matter, and have a reason for being here. I’d like to be a CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) of a company and later found my own to work with remarkable minds of all backgrounds. And one day, once I can finally distill all the wisdom, experiences, and learning I’ve gathered, I want to pen it into a book that’s lessons can outlive me and serve more people.
Media Relations
The UAFS Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.
Send%20an%20EmailRachel Rodemann Putman
- Director of Strategic Communications
- 479-788-7132
- rachel.putman@uafs.edu