Canena Adams

As a communications professional, Adams is a first-generation graduate and small business owner who has triumphed over adverse childhood experiences. With an extensive career spanning over 20 years, she’s had the privilege of working in various sectors, including nonprofit, for-profit, higher education, consulting, marketing, branding, community-wide initiatives, and public speaking. Through these experiences, one fundamental truth has consistently emerged: no organization or company can go where its leaders aren’t willing to take them. In essence, Adams believes that success starts from the top and trickles down: when leaders lead effectively, their organizations and everyone around them skyrockets.

Adams’ multifaceted background encompasses roles such as a social worker, Internal Communications Coordinator for the University of Tennessee in the Office of Marketing and Communications, Adjunct Communications Professor, College Advisor for First-Gen Students, Ph.D. student, Leadership and Professional Development Coach, brand and marketing consultant, and advocate for women in leadership.

As a leader and communications professional, Adams possesses a distinct ability to instill confidence and foster enduring relationships among individuals, team members, and stakeholders. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling and persuasive communications that not only influence positive perceptions but also effect meaningful individual and collective change.

Her authenticity and undeniable presence possess the effortless ability to unlock the secrets to peak performance, personal and professional development. When she invests in an individual or group, there is no doubt they walk away empowered and ready to take on the world! Adams is an exceptional communicator, critical thinker, top-level solutionist, problem solver, strategic decision-maker, and an unparalleled leader and communications industry expert!

She approaches this with a unique blend of fun, relatability, and powerful transformative impact. Among her proudest accomplishments are instances where she addressed the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., and delivered a keynote address at an event hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. On the latter occasion, Adams stood before 150 organizations and representatives, with a total of 750 individuals in attendance.

Adams’ motto is clear: effective communication and transformational leadership are your most powerful tools. If one wants it, they should speak it and seize it!