NE North Dakota News

Sam McCracken, the general manager and visionary behind Nike's N7 programs, will participate in a fireside chat with the University of North Dakota (UND) President Andy Armacost. This event is scheduled for April 22 at 2 p.m. in the Barry Auditorium at the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. It is sponsored by the UND Indigenous Student Center and the Nistler College.

McCracken has made significant contributions to Nike and Native American communities since starting at Nike's Wilsonville distribution center in 1997. He proposed a business strategy to focus on Native communities, aimed at enhancing health and wellness through physical activity. By 2000, McCracken became the manager of Nike's Native American Business, innovating products like the Nike Air Native N7 shoe and the N7 retail collection. The N7 Fund, another outcome of his vision, supports sports access and social justice for Indigenous communities.

His work extends beyond product development to education and representation within Nike's Indigenous community, shaping recruitment and retention strategies. McCracken is recognized for his influence and leadership, receiving numerous awards, including Nike's Bowerman Award in 2004 and the Schwab Foundation's Social Intrapraneur of the Year in 2022. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the visibility and representation of Indigenous communities within Nike.

The fireside chat promises to delve into McCracken's journey and contributions, providing insights into the intersection of business and community development.