Kadeja Gaines-Roy
Kadeja has deep experience with two of the most iconic, influential brands in the world who have provided a profound personal connection between their mission and the consumers they serve.
Currently, Kadeja is responsible for leading the Global Converse integrated business planning strategy to deliver excellence across an ever-transforming, digitally-led landscape. She also is a member of the Converse Diversity Council—an Executive-Level council driving long-term oversight, input, and accountability across the global Converse D&I strategy. Prior to her current role, Kadeja has directed small to medium teams throughout several functions within Retail across Converse and Target Corporation.
Throughout her career, Kadeja has received global recognition and acclaim for her ability to lead and drive results through the enterprise. In 2019, she received the Nike Milestone Award, recognizing her significant impact on the North American retail business within and outside of the scope of her role. Within Target Corporation, Kadeja has been consistently recognized and honored, winning multiple national awards for her ability to lead a team through large initiatives and strategic priorities. Corporately, she is a sought-after speaker, delivering motivation across keynote moments in forums such as the Board of Directors of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and within Harvard Business School.
Kadeja is driven to inspire, influence, and coach throughout the enterprise and strives to be an example of this ambition in her personal life as well. She has appeared in the Boston Globe, podcasts, panels, and other mediums sharing her expertise on the retail industry, inclusion, race, and wellness. She has served as a leading fitness trainer in two “Best of Boston” award-winning studios and has built a brand, following, and a platform founded on strength, sustainable results, and body positivity. The Boston fitness industry is highly competitive and through her deep expertise, Kadeja achieves success through a continuous evolution of her approach to keep her growing client base engaged and challenged. This personal dimension grows Kadeja’s ability to authentically motivate, lead through unique environments, and drive accountability across collections of individuals which further enhances her performance within her corporate career.
Kadeja’s global experience closely relates to her foundation, having spent most of her childhood across Europe, primarily in Germany. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a recipient of the University of Notre Dame Leadership Award and the Hipp-Beeler Scholarship in recognition of her large leadership impact across the Notre Dame student body. While at Notre Dame, Kadeja has further enhanced her global perspective serving as an Executive Officer of the Student International Business Council and the Student Body Treasurer. Lastly, Kadeja is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School through the Program for Leadership Development—an alternative MBA program dedicated to accelerating the careers of high-potential leaders. She is also a member of the 2020 cohort of the Boston Future Leaders Program within the Boston Chamber of Commerce.
