Cheryl Grace (née Pearson-McNeil) is the senior vice president of U.S. Strategic Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement at Nielsen, a global measurement and data analytics company that provides the most complete and trusted view available of consumers and markets worldwide. She’s been credited with driving Nielsen’s thought leadership strategy and execution for its U.S.-based diverse business opportunities and communities. Her proven track record of building brand awareness and managing the reputation of major businesses through her community outreach has served her well at Nielsen. She has spearheaded conversations on issues of importance to Nielsen, its clients, media stakeholders, influencers and communities alike.
Rolling out recently caught up with Grace at the Black Enterprise Women of Power summit in early March and discussed with her the importance of Black women leading in decision making capacities, what she thinks her own superpower is as a Black woman and also which African American woman history maker she’d like to thank for their contributions to society. Check out her interview below to find out.
What do you consider your superpower to be as a Black woman?
My superpower is tenacity because things don’t always happen when you want them to happen and you have to be tenacious about staying and sticking with the program and eating your pink elephants one small bite at a time.
What African American woman would you like to thank for her contribution to society?
Oprah Winfrey for taking us to a level of fabulosity that we have never seen before — [a level] that most women have never seen before in another woman. I have to give all the credit to Oprah.
Why is it important for women of color to lead or work in leadership roles and decision-making capacities?
It’s important to have a seat at the table because when we‘re there, if we’re willing to use our power for good, we can impact change for those who are still trying to get to the table. Once I’m there I’m all about making sure that people know that I am in the room and paving the way so that other women can come behind me and have that space as well.
