As cliché as it sounds, representation does matter. Ten years ago I was introduced to the ins and outs of the sneaker industry by my mentor, Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, former footwear design director at Jordan Brand and founder of PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy (now Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design). 

Back in 2013 I joined a four-week PENSOLE masterclass entitled, “Future of Footwear,” after earning a scholarship with an original sneaker that I designed in color pencil. It was there, in Portland, OR, where a young Black man learned how to be more than just a consumer of his favorite product. I’ve considered myself more of an investor ever since.

Two years later, in 2015, I attended another PENSOLE masterclass. Not only did I sharpen new skill sets, but I also formed some genuine friendships with that peer group. So when PENSOLE alumnus and Under Armour Product Operations Professional, Jean Desmangles, reached out to me about having a panel discussion for BSU students, my answer was unequivocally, “say less.”

Jean and his colleagues, Morgan Myles (Apparel Designer, Under Armour Basketball + Curry Brand) and Evin Bangs (Product Line Manager, Under Armour Basketball + Curry Brand) joined me on stage to discuss portfolios, career paths, and developing products in today’s market. Each of us care deeply about the next generation, so taking some time on a Tuesday afternoon to put students on game was no problem. The real question is, when’s the next one? Subscribe here to find out.

FULL PANEL DISCUSSION / Q&A HERE: