Tobalase Apata

Account Manager

Chicago, Illinois, United StatesMid-Level0-5 years

Open to New Opportunities

About

Hello! I am a culturally ambidextrous woman who is a proud Nigerian-American. Both of my countries are highly nuanced, so naturally, I am too! I am a multifaceted international speaker, published author, community leader, creative entrepreneur, and 2x TEDxChicago featured artist. My mission is to foster connection and promote harmony among diverse communities. As a passionate advocate for unity, my art and speaking engagements are centered around community building, encouraging dialogue, and bridging cultural divides. Though I wear many hats, community building is the common denominator of them all.  In addition to my artistic endeavors, I thrive as an account manager and act as an ambassador for Fitzsimmons Home Medical Equipment’s core values and mission. Acting as a liaison between accounts and the internal team, I ensure that clients’ needs are met with integrity, precision, and care. It is my objective to embody the company’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. The past 4 years have equipped me with the ability to connect with a vast range of people and understand that bespoke solutions are key to meeting people where they are.    As a child of immigrants, I learned very early on that anything that couldn't be brought via luggage, was brought over by the tongue. I understand the importance of using my voice as a vessel for unity, continued heritage, and being an agent of abstract thinking. Because of these values, I started by brand Poetic Goods in 2020. The “goods” sold are fluid but the constant is the poetic message that is included in each transaction. My brand is centered around generating conversations that transport people into different realities by enhancing their mindsets via poetry. One of the main ways of doing so is through our “Thought Potlucks”. Thought potlucks are simply conversations fueled by artistry that encourage the exchange of diverse and flavored perspectives in corporate and communal spaces.    To be a speaker and a writer is a great responsibility. I've learned how to simultaneously hold society accountable while also amplifying what we’re already doing right. To be an ambassador of diverse ideologies and compositions through my writing means I must constantly remind readers that diversity isn't chaos, it's colorful. A colorful society cannot be a trend if the goal is longevity. Instead, it must be the fabric of our lives. Through a blend of creativity, leadership, and a deep sense of purpose, I plan to continue to inspire, uplift, and build inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity and shared humanity.

Brands

Poetic Goods

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

iHeartRadio

University of Chicago

LOVELUVV Champagne

TEDxChicago

LLULO

Northwestern University