Nadine Spencer is the Founder and CEO of BrandEQ Group Inc., Canada’s most prominent Black- and female-owned marketing consultancy, specializing in social change marketing, communications, and public relations. Under her fearless and dynamic leadership, the firm has accelerated strategic growth and brand visibility for a diverse client portfolio that includes major national brands, government entities, banks, and prominent non-profit organizations. Nadine has also pioneered innovative, industry-leading proprietary strategies that have raised the standard for agencies across industries while simultaneously making the field more equitable for the nation’s marginalized and underrepresented populations.
At the helm of BrandEQ since 2011, Nadine’s tenure with the firm represents the culmination of a storied career marked by notable achievements and passionate advocacy. She has led her team in global marketing excellence, establishing and driving results-driven best practices in marketing campaigns, communication tactics, and brand positioning that have become a gold standard. And all along, her in-house “People Matter” strategy has grabbed attention, demanded interaction, and generated long-term value for clients. That value, however, extends beyond market performance and revenue generation.
After recognizing a dearth of diverse leaders in decision-making roles, Nadine created BrandEQ Black, the firm’s cultural sensitivity arm, to examine and address racial biases in advertising and marketing across sectors, to ensure that messaging and opportunities were equitable for all. She has since used her platform to reach those in power beyond marketing, becoming a trusted advisor to municipal, provincial, and federal governments on the most effective ways to prevent anti-Black racism and design effective corporate policy around issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Prior to leading BrandEQ, and across various roles, Nadine developed her marketing repertoire working on several highly visible and successful projects. Among them, she founded and ran Q Gourmet, Inc., a Toronto-based gourmet specialty foods company, growing sales to over $5 million, launching strong brands throughout North America, and securing editorials in O Magazine, LCBO Food & Drink, and Chocolate. As Director of Food Network’s Delicious Food Show, she created and oversaw multi-tiered engagement strategies and directed advertising campaigns in conjunction with major clients like GE, Brevelle, and Whole Foods Market. And as Communications Director for Jamaica 50 Celebration, Inc., she developed comprehensive marketing and branding strategies for all branches of the organization to commemorate Jamaica’s 50th year of independence. From the earliest stages of her career, Nadine has innovated with prowess, led with assuredness, and effectively balanced commerce with cause.
Her connection to social justice and corporate responsibility plays a large role in her time beyond BrandEQ. In addition to her work advising government officials, she’s a dynamic corporate trainer on a range of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues and an in-demand public speaker, covering everything from niche market branding and marketing to racial and ethnic sensitivity in the workplace.
Also, as an activist and dedicated Black community champion, she has devoted her life to fighting discrimination, battling poverty, advancing women’s education, and advocating for equality for women and girls of colour. Her work was acknowledged in the anthology, 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, and she has received numerous accolades, including the Harry Jerome Business Award and The Dale Carnegie Highest Award in Public Speaking.
In everything she does, from streamlining and diversifying Canada’s marketing and advertising to advocating for the underrepresented, Nadine is an unmatched leader and expert with a clear vision who brings passion, skill, mastery, and achievement to every organization and initiative she touches.