Published February 27, 2025

More than just an industry event, the Black Footwear Forum (BFF) is a movement, celebrating the creativity, influence, and leadership of Black professionals in the global footwear industry and creating opportunities to build community. For Toluwalase Adedipe, Jordan Edmond, and Jalen Niles, UO graduate students in the Sports Product Design and  Sports Product Management programs, the 2024 BFF in Detroit was an unforgettable experience, reinforcing their passion for industry and their belief in the power of representation. 

Attending the Black Footwear Forum was a pivotal moment for these three UO students, proving that with the right connections, confidence, and persistence, their dream careers in the footwear industry are well within reach. The forum was not just a learning experience, but an inspiring reminder to take up space in professional settings. Coming from Nigeria, Adedipe previously felt the need to hold himself back in professional settings. However, the BFF changed his perspective.

“Being in a room with others doing what I want to do built my confidence in my own abilities,” Adedipe said. “This event showed me I should be myself.”

By engaging with professionals who had walked similar paths, Adedipe saw his own potential in the industry and recognized that embracing his unique background was a strength, not a limitation. 

Edmond was also inspired by the BFF, which made his career aspirations feel more tangible. Obsessed with sneakers since childhood, the opportunity to meet recruiters, designers, and professionals who share Edmond's passion gave him a sense of belonging in an industry where Black representation has been historically limited.

“In the overall sportswear industry, there isn’t a big presence of Black professionals,” Edmond reflected. “This experience made me feel like it is possible for me.”

One of the standout moments for Edmond was reconnecting with BIMMA WILLIAMS, Founder and Creative Director of Collab Lab Marketing, who introduced him to influential leaders, including Jae Tips, a music artist and designer.

These connections furthered Edmonds’ belief that networking opens doors. Niles also saw the BFF as an opportunity to engage with industry leaders as well as alumni from his program, making connections that could shape his future in basketball footwear. 

“The conference gave me an opportunity to talk to the face and shake the hand of the people that would hire you,” Niles shared. 

The highlight of his time at the forum was shaking hands with Shaquille O’Neal, President of Reebok Basketball.

Niles, Edmond, and Adedipe understand the importance of authenticity, passion, and connection, and each walked away with invaluable insights, career connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Their advice for other UO students? 

“Go to industry events and meet the people doing what you want to do,” Niles said. 

“Whatever you want to do, become obsessed with it. Anything is possible if you put in your all,” Edmond said.

“Find your strength and lean into it. Don’t hide. Amplify who you are. It's what makes you unique,” Adedipe said.

Adedipe, Edmond, and Niles attended the BFF with the support of the division’s Professional Development Funding Award. This award is designed to support outstanding graduate students pursuing activities that would enhance their skills, knowledge, and abilities beyond their academic coursework and research, preparing them for post-graduation careers and increasing their overall employability and success in their chosen fields.

—Jody Choi, master's student in Couples and Family Therapy, is a graduate employee for the Division of Graduate Studies focused on professional development.
—Ashly Lilly, MNM ’23, is the communications coordinator for the Division of Graduate Studies.