🏆 Career Insights: From the Swoosh to the Jumpman

A Career of Iconic Brands: The Ducks , the Swoosh, and the Jumpman

Growing up in Saugus, California, gymnastics played a pivotal role in her early years and led her to the University of Oregon, where she became a member of the Acrobatics and Tumbling team. As a student-athlete, she juggled academics, internships, and part-time jobs, building the foundation for her career. While at Oregon, Samantha gained valuable experience in roles like football recruiting and as a statistics analyst at Fox Sports, sparking her interest in sports marketing. This passion led to an internship in Football Sports Marketing at Nike providing a taste of sports marketing at the iconic brand. After completing her internship, she stayed proactive, regularly following up with mentors and connections, which eventually led to an unexpected opportunity. During a backpacking trip in Europe, she received a call offering her a temporary position as an NFL and College Sports Marketing Specialist. The position was transformative, immersing her in the dynamic world of athlete service.

When the short-term role ended, Samantha faced uncertainty but stayed connected with mentors, sharing industry updates and celebrating milestones. This persistence paid off when she secured a role in North America Brand Integration at Nike. Her focus was on unlocking potential within Nike’s athlete roster through compelling storytelling. She later joined Nike’s Global Athlete Experience team, pioneering innovative programs aimed at enhancing athlete experiences and optimizing global operations. After three years, Samantha is embracing a new challenge at Air Jordan as Global Brand Marketing Sport Lead. She sees this role as an opportunity to grow, contribute to the Jordan brand’s unique identity, and continue evolving as a leader.

The Athlete Mindset: Relentless Drive and Authentic Leadership

Samantha attributes her success at Nike and Jordan to the foundational characteristics shared by the most effective leaders, mentors, and peers she’s encountered. At the core is the principle of leading by example – being authentic and staying true to one’s values. She finds inspiration in her mentors and peers, many of whom bring an athlete’s mindset to their work: relentless drive, resilience in the face of obstacles, and an unwavering commitment to equity.

These qualities resonate deeply with Samantha’s own journey, shaped by her collegiate experience as an athlete. Her mentors’ ability to prioritize inclusivity and uplift others has been a guiding light throughout her career. “Lead by example, be a good human, and try to lift others up every single day.” Her goal is to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute their unique voice, fostering collaboration and creativity. She strives to emulate their example, not only in her leadership, but also in her efforts to connect with others – whether through a LinkedIn cold email or fostering relationships with individuals who share her vision for growth and support.

The Power of Curiosity and Building Genuine Connections

Reflecting on wisdom from her grandmother – “Use every day as an opportunity to learn and be curious,” Samantha notes the importance of approaching each day with an eagerness to learn. This mindset, she believes, has been instrumental in her growth and adaptability throughout her career. By embracing curiosity, she has been able to navigate the complexities of a dynamic industry, constantly seeking opportunities to broaden her knowledge and refine her skills. For Samantha, this principle is as much about personal growth as it is about professional success.

Equally important is the value of relationships. Samantha advises young professionals to take advantage of every opportunity to network – whether in classrooms, workplaces, or industry events – to build genuine relationships. For Samantha, authentic connections based on mutual respect have been essential to her career and personal growth.

Driving Equity and Authenticity

Samantha’s mission is to create equity in sports and the workplace. She strives to build environments where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background. “It’s about making sure people can show up as their authentic selves and know they belong.”

From campaigns highlighting underrepresented athletes to fostering inclusive spaces, Samantha views her work as a platform to elevate others and leave a lasting impact on the industry. Her dedication to empowerment and opportunity defines her career, ensuring her legacy extends well beyond the projects she leads.

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