Dorset Race Equality Council (Dorset REC) is pleased to welcome Dr Emmanuella (Ella) Ejime-Okereafor as Chief Officer. Dr Ejime-Okereafor is a Lecturer in Digital Marketing Communications at The Media School, Faculty of Media, Science and Technology, Bournemouth University. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a Chartered Management and Business Educator (CMBE), with a professional background as a Nigerian lawyer, alongside an MBA in Global Business and a PhD in Digital Marketing and Consumer Behaviour.
Her work at Bournemouth University sits at the intersection of digital communication, public engagement, and behavioural insight, with a strong focus on how individuals and communities interact with services in increasingly digital environments. Through her teaching, research, and civic engagement, she has developed expertise in multi-channel communication strategies, consumer trust, digital inclusion, and the role of communication in shaping access to services and outcomes.
Alongside her academic role, she serves as Co-Chair of Bournemouth University’s Race Equality Network, where she leads initiatives to advance race equity across the institution, contributes to institutional strategy, and works closely with staff within the network.
This combined academic, institutional leadership, and civic engagement perspective positions her uniquely to support DorsetREC at a time when addressing inequality requires not only advocacy, but also a deeper understanding of how systems communicate, engage, and build trust with diverse communities. Her role within Bournemouth University’s civic and community partnership agenda further strengthens the connection between research, knowledge exchange, and real-world impact across Dorset.
Dr Ejime-Okereafor brings a strong combination of strategic leadership, community engagement, and evidence-informed practice, which will support DorsetREC in strengthening its visibility, partnerships, and long-term sustainability as a leading voice for race equality in the region.