Ibada Wadud is an award-winning social entrepreneur, consultant and educator who has guided hundreds of students through successful applications, portfolio development, and interview preparation. As Assistant Professor of Strategic Design & Management at Parsons School of Design, she has firsthand experience with admissions committees and not only understands, but has also influenced, what top schools seek in applicants.

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Ibada’s experience spans prestigious institutions like Yale, Columbia, UC Berkeley, and Tufts, where she has led college preparatory and leadership programs. She has also served as a faculty member at RISD and regularly conducts professional development retreats for students at Nike. 

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As a transdisciplinary afrofuturist and circular economist, Ibada leverages frameworks and methodologies to support executive teams and courageous leaders. She is the Founder of LULAH, a systems-driven boutique firm focused on corporate strategy and brand innovation for people and planet. Currently, Ibada leads strategy for culture and impact as a consultant to the Ralph Lauren Design with Intent team. She has previously worked with Adidas design communities & culture team, most notably developing the brand pillars for Impossible is Nothing. Prior to that, Ibada managed social responsibility at Kate Spade in New York and Rwanda, and consulted for the United Nations “She Trades Programme.” Her global experience and understanding of design, sustainability, and social impact offer a unique perspective that empowers students to become purpose-driven leaders.

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LULAH has been recognized by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice for groundbreaking work with formerly incarcerated citizens, and Ibada has been featured at Essence Festival, Columbia University Women in Sustainability Summit, WWD x Beauty Inc.’s Sustainability Forum, and the CFDA. As a board member of the New York Fashion Workforce Development Coalition, she now advises the NY State Senate and US Senate on fashion policy.

Ibada studied at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)’s Institute for Design & Public Policy at the Center for Complexity. She holds a Master’s in Human Rights and Sustainable Development from Universidad Pablo de Olavide, and studied Sustainable Design at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She is fluent in Spanish.