Creating Influence: How Advertising and Advocacy Made Wade
CiTeara Wade went from chemistry major to creative advertising to create a platform for the Black community
By: Jon Clem
Four years ago, CiTeara Wade enrolled at MSU to pursue a passion for science and chemistry. However, she felt a disconnect between herself and her studies and found herself searching for a passion, place and belonging. Wade found that and more in the College of Communication Art and Sciences, where she would take up creative advertising. Her college journey has since led her through the creative industry and making an impact as president of the United Brody Black Caucus.
“Going from a chemistry major to something more collaborative was a big jump,” said Wade. “Going to something more collaborative was really challenging. But you learn to work with others on designs and editing, it’s something I am a lot better at now.”
On campus, Wade has served as an ambassador for Let’s Detroit, sharing media campaigns with her social media followers, as well as contributing designs and articles of her own for the organization. She also worked for Street Teams, designing and creating templates, brand guides, stickers, sweaters and more.
Wade is currently involved at H-Net, where she has helped raise thousands of dollars in donations, designed graphic media and campaigns, and excelled the organization further in its academic ventures. H-Net is an organization aimed at providing peer reviews and scholarly resources to students and researchers.
“I’m proud of my time at H-Net; I have created a lot of the graphic design,” said Wade. “The audience is more academic and for professors, so it was interesting to see what that audience would click on and interact with. My graphic design skills really improved that way and I was able to get a better understanding of how to cater toward different audiences.”
As a student, Wade has also spent time as a member of the United Brody Black Caucus. As a leader, she applied for a role as the advertising chair. During her sophomore year, the organization’s advisors had left and the club membership was dwindling. Wade took it upon herself to revamp the entire organization and provide a safe space and platform for the Black community. In her time, she has ensured various social events every month, on- and off-campus volunteering opportunities, sense of belonging and unity across UBBC’s membership.
Now in her junior year, she is using everything she has learned to apply to jobs and internships to make an impact on the industry. Despite her struggles, Wade’s dedication to the Black community will leave a legacy behind as shown through a triumphant Black Caucus, providing strength and safety for generations to come.