GIVING BACK IS THE NIKE WAY

Izzy Y. talks about NikeUNITED and the opportunities it offers to volunteer, give back, and make donations to organizations that help communities in need.

One of my passions in life is giving back. At an early age, my parents instilled the importance of being involved in the community. At Nike, there are so many ways I’ve been able to do this through NikeUNITED and the Native American & Friends Employee Network (NAN). I’ve also learned best practices for creating change at local, national and global levels.

My favorite program is the Nike N7 initiative, where our mission is to inspire and enable 1.5 Million Native and Indigenous youth to move through sport. When I was a sophomore at Southern Oregon University, I heard program founder Sam McCracken speak about N7, and my goal since then was to work for this program. As an enrolled member in The Klamath Tribes, I find great inspiration in the work. People may not realize that the proceeds from our N7 Collection fuel the N7 Fund, which directly supports Native American youth.

Being a passionate basketball and volleyball player, I understand the importance of sport and how it unleashes human potential and brings people of all backgrounds together. Through NikeUNITED I was able to play a significant role in hosting the Arlee Warriors Boys and Girls High School Basketball team and NBA star DeMar DeRozan on a two-day visit to our campus. These kids are athletes and Native American role models themselves, and what they are doing to combat suicide and mental health issues is the most inspiring and uplifting thing I’ve ever been part of. The experience is something that I’ll remember forever. During their time on campus, the Warriors shared their message of hope and the transformative power of sport for individuals, communities and the world. We were able to truly affect these kids’ lives in an amazing way, and if it wasn’t for the help of NAN and the great people in Nike leadership, I’m not sure if that event would have come together.

I am so thankful that Nike has a Diversity and Inclusion team and that within D&I, there are the NikeUNITED networks! Also, Nike campuses globally have incredible vibes and design whenever you are looking for motivation, peace, quiet or amazing scenery.

If I could describe life here in one sentence, I’d say Nike is rooted in history and heritage, and I love the passion and competitive nature that it brings out in each and every employee!