JULIA OKU JACKS

Julia is the Chief Executive of TreeWater Retreats Limited, a personal discovery, leadership and learning organization.

An alumnus of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Julia’s diverse career spans academia, marketing communications, corporate strategy and communications and international philanthropy.

From lecturing in the English & Literary Studies department of the University of Calabar, Julia made a career shift to branding and marketing communications, ending up as a co-founder and Executive Creative Director of SO&U Saatchi.

As the Program Officer for the Media, Arts and Culture portfolio in the West Africa office of the international philanthropic organization, The Ford Foundation, Julia was responsible for re-focusing the Media, Arts and Culture portfolio, with emphasis on the stimulation of indigenous creative industries.

Julia later set up Cue Media-a content development organization, which developed content for the acclaimed MNET ‘New Directions’ initiative which encouraged African story tellers to find their voices and tell their own stories.

Julia successfully set up and headed the Corporate Strategy and Development Department of Moni Pulo Limited, handling a broad remit for corporate reputation management, brand positioning and government and external relations.

Married to Fenibo and blessed with a fabulous daughter, Julia serves on the Board of Directors of First Aluminum Plc. in a non-executive capacity. She is also a member of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary committee in Rivers State.

An avid reader, ardent fine art collector and eclectic music lover, Julia is active in her local church.