Success Adds Up for Economic Majors

You can’t predict where a Spelman student succeeds, but rising to rarified heights is normal. The former executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer, Nokia, is a Spelman economics graduate.

Jerri DeVard, C’79, oversaw communications, brand management and marketing. Prior to joining the company, the consumer brand veteran, had her own marketing firm and had worked at companies including Harrah’s, Citigroup and Verizon.

At the latter, as senior vice president for marketing and brand management, and in other senior positions she honed the skills she wields today. The HBCU inspiration also earned an M.B.A. in marketing at Clark Atlanta University.