Orlena Nwokah Blanchard

Orlena Nwokah Blanchard is an award-winning entrepreneur and innovative leader behind game-changing social impact movements and marketing programs for some of the world’s biggest brands. She is an astute cultural marketing strategist and one of the co-creators of the CROWN Act legislative movement to end race-based hair discrimination nationwide. Recognized on the Root 100 2022 list of most influential Black Americans, Orlena has been featured in numerous publications including Cosmopolitan, The Root, Ebony Magazine, 21 Ninety, and on podcasts like Potential to Powerhouse, Heads Talk, and Business of the Beat.

Blanchard has been instrumental in shaping racial equity initiatives for major brands, including Dove and ESPN. Her work has included co-creating the CROWN Coalition, an organization that has successfully sponsored legislation to end hair discrimination in 19 states. Blanchard also designed the pioneering "Retail Excellence with Inclusion" industry training in partnership with the Tory Burch Corporation. Her ability to harness the power of marketing and communications to drive social change is further evidenced by her role as the chief architect of the marketing and communications strategy for the CROWN Act Movement.

Aside from her work with the CROWN Coalition, Blanchard has also led significant marketing initiatives for a number of other brands. She was the lead strategist and co-creator of "Commit To C.A.R.E. Now", Dove Men+Care’s first racial equity initiative, and co-developed BET Networks' new Brand Manifesto. Furthermore, she co-created "It Comes Naturally", Shea Moisture’s 2021 award-winning campaign, and a new Vaseline lotion variant specifically tailored for Women of Color. She also served as the executive agency lead for ESPN’s award-winning "Champion Black Businesses" campaign.

For 3 decades Orlena has been building value for corporations and communities alike. She is the Managing Partner of Seven Elements Group, a culture first strategy and marketing company that guides brands in building inclusive strategies that drive growth and social impact. She is also the founder and CEO of WonderTree Skin, is an inclusive beauty and wellness company working to drive social, economic, and environmental equity in the beauty industry.