UO PDX Soaring Together featuring Vanessa Gidden

From the court to the boardroom, Vanessa Gidden drives the future of sports product innovation at Nike while championing athlete development and industry growth.

Join us for UO Portland Soaring Together on Thursday, February 27, our annual event celebrating leaders impacting the sports product industry and beyond. This year, we are honored to feature , Lead Global Merchant of Jordan Women's Sport Footwear and Apparel for Nike, a trailblazer whose journey spans from professional athlete to global leader in sports product merchandising at Nike.

With a career that bridges the worlds of elite competition and business innovation, Vanessa has not only shaped the future of women's sports footwear and apparel. Still, she has also dedicated herself to empowering the next generation of athletes. Don't miss this inspiring conversation as she shares her story of resilience, leadership, and the power of sport to create opportunities and drive change.

EVENT OVERVIEW

We are offering this event both in person and virtually. The virtual session is from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Please choose virtual or in-person attendance during registration. Virtual attendees will receive a UO Business YouTube link upon registration. The event will be held at UO Portland, Library & Learning Center, 2800 NE Liberty St., Portland, OR.

4:15 p.m. - Doors open

4:30 p.m. - Vanessa's session begins, moderated by SPM student Jordan Wilmoth

5:30 p.m. - Mix and mingle, hors d'oeuvres

6:30 p.m. - Event wraps up

MORE ABOUT VANESSA GIDDEN

Vanessa Gidden is a powerhouse in the world of sports product merchandising and athlete development, currently leading as the Global Merchant for Jordan Women’s Sport Footwear and Apparel at Nike. With a track record of driving business growth, she has played a pivotal role in elevating product strategies, strengthening global partnerships, and fueling the expansion of women’s sports. From spearheading collaborations in football and basketball to optimizing assortments for major leagues, Vanessa's leadership has left an undeniable mark on the industry. Beyond her corporate success, she is a sought-after speaker and advocate for inclusivity in sports, having represented Women In Nike (WIN) and spoken at major industry events.

A former professional basketball player with an international career spanning over a decade, Vanessa has competed at the highest levels—including the WNBA and national teams across Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. Off the court, she is the founder of Veez Hoops, an organization dedicated to empowering young athletes through training, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities. Recognized for her commitment to youth development, she was honored with the 2023 Champion for Youth Award. Passionate about unlocking potential both on and off the field, Vanessa continues to shape the future of sports, inspiring the next generation of athletes and industry leaders.

Host or Publisher UO Sports Product Management