She is the founder of Brand Zanele Collective, a creative inclusion agency specializing in storytelling, leadership development, and experiential design centered on belonging and community impact. A champion for women and underserved communities, Zanele has been recognized as one of Oregon’s Most Influential Women by the Portland Business Journal. Her career spans media and global brands, including Sesame Street, CNN, and adidas, where she helped lead diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across North America. She has partnered with leading organizations across fashion, media, tech, sports, and hospitality, including Levi’s, Nike, Soho House, e.l.f. Beauty, the NBA, and Snap Inc. Through her Here to Stay event series and broader collaborations, Zanele creates high-impact experiences that elevate voices, strengthen culture, and foster lasting connection across industries and communities.