BlackPembroke Stories: Kenny Dada

In collaboration with the BlackPembroke working group, this October we are sharing stories from across the College community.

Kenny Dada (2013, Modern Languages) is a member of Pembroke’s Alumni Advisory Board and is one of two alumni leading the Pembroke10 initiative.

Kenny was recently selected for the IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) iList, which features 30 outstanding individuals who have made a real impact in furthering the inclusivity and diversity of the advertising industry. You can find the full IPA iList here.

We are grateful to Kenny for sharing her career journey and the exciting opportunities she has had since graduating, as well as her memories and lessons learned from her time at Pembroke. 

What did you study and how did you end up at Pembroke?

I studied French at Pembroke and I came from a school where no one had ever been to Oxbridge. So, it was through the encouragement of my amazing Economics teacher (a Pembroke alumnus) that I made it to Oxford, as he really helped de-mystify it and make it feel like it was a place where someone like me could belong.

Were you part of any clubs or societies during your time here?

I was part of the Oxford Inter-Collegiate Christian Union (OICCU) and I also played college Netball and volunteered with Schools Plus and Teach First.

What was the highlight of your time at Pembroke?

One of the highlights of my time at Pembroke was getting to be the College’s Access Officer, doing talks, tours and visits to students with backgrounds just like mine and encouraging them to apply to the university.

Tell us about your career since graduating?

During my time at Oxford, I was very fortunate to be able to do internships in marketing and communications that prepared me for my career. I now work for an advertising agency as an Account Director and since graduating, I’ve made adverts for The National Lottery, Ford and O2, to name a few.  The proudest achievement of my career to date was this year, when I made the 2022 IPA iList, which recognises 30 people who are working to make the advertising industry a more inclusive and diverse place to work.

What aspect(s) of your degree do you use in your day-to-day life at work?

The translation skills that I learned during my degree are key for my role and the ability to juggle many things at once and manage a heavy workload, which were essential during the degree, are skills that I use every day.

What are you doing when you’re not at work?

I’m Deputy Chair of the Board of a regional theatre, where my main area of focus is working with young people. I also sing and volunteer with my church in South London and I still play Netball recreationally.

Do you have any advice for current Pembroke students?

As corny or clichéd as it may sound, my advice would be to enjoy it and do as much as you can, from the familiar to the not so familiar. There is so much to get involved with and so many interesting people to meet, and the memories you make here will be with you forever.

We are committed to sharing and celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of Black members of the Pembroke community. To mark Black History Month, we are inviting Black students, academics, staff and alumni to give an insight into their research, careers, interests and stories. If you would like to be involved, please get in touch.

Click here for more Black History Month news and events and to find out how you can get involved.