Maria-Antonia A.

About Maria-Antonia A.

I\'m a design leader with a foundation in materials innovation and a vision that spans product creation, cross-sport strategy, and future-forward storytelling.Currently, I serve as Senior Manager, Materials Design for a new multi-sport category at Jordan - focusing on Global Football, American Football, Baseball, Training, and Golf. I lead CGM (Color, Graphics & Materials) strategy across multiple performance-driven categories — building design language, material narratives, and innovation pipelines that serve diverse athletes and consumer journeys worldwide.My scope goes beyond materials. I partner closely with product, design, development, and brand teams to shape cohesive footwear experiences — from concept through launch — grounded in performance, culture, and sustainability.My edge:• Expertise in materials from rolled goods and engineered structures to advanced finishes, dye techniques, and sustainable systems• Multi-sport fluency: leading design strategy across cleated, training, lifestyle, and hybrid performance footwear• Experience collaborating with elite athletes and creatives — from global basketball athletes to creative forces• Background in trend forecasting, 3D prototyping, consumer storytelling, and regional market strategy• Global design perspective shaped by time in Milan, Paris, New York, and OregonCareer highlights:• Currently building the materials strategy and CGM infrastructure for a brand-new Jordan footwear category• Previously led CGM for Jordan Women\'s, Performance Basketball, and Nike Energy, including high-visibility launches for Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, Kobe Bryant, Ja Morant, Kevin Durant, Sabrina Ionescu, Jacquemus, Comme des Garçons, Isamaya Ffrench and others• Managed seasonal CGM direction for 30+ footwear styles, from early concepting to market launch• Mentor and team leader focused on building diverse, cross-functional, high-performing creative teamsDesign leadership philosophy:I believe product creation is at its best when materials, form, and story move together. I lead with curiosity, technical depth, and creative intuition — shaping product that feels emotionally relevant, performance-driven, and globally resonant.Open To:Future leadership opportunities in product design direction, category strategy, or creative direction — where I can guide entire product journeys across sport, lifestyle, and innovation pipelines.Let’s connect if you’re building bold creative teams and need a strategic thinker with a material-first lens and cross-sport product experience.

Experience

1. Senior Manager, Sport Footwear Materials Design, Global Jordan

   耐克

   Sep 2025 — Present · Beaverton, OR, US

   As the Senior Manager of Footwear Materials Design at Air Jordan, I lead the creative and strategic direction of materials for a new sport category encompassing Football/Soccer, American Football, Baseball, Training, and Golf. This role marks a significant expansion for the Jordan Brand into new performance and lifestyle territories, where innovation, athlete insight, and cultural relevance intersect.In this position, I am responsible for:• Defining and executing the material design vision for Jordan’s emerging sport categories, ensuring alignment with brand DNA and sport-specific performance needs.• Leading cross-functional collaboration with Footwear Design, Product Creation, Innovation, Color, Sustainability, and Development teams to create future-forward, premium material palettes and executions.• Driving innovation in material performance, sustainability, and storytelling, translating athlete insights and cultural trends into tangible design solutions that elevate product and brand distinction.• Mentoring and guiding designers within the materials team, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and excellence.• Overseeing seasonal material strategies and execution, from concept to commercialization, across cleated and training silhouettes.• Partnering closely with Jordan Brand athletes and sport-specific insights teams to craft materials that meet the unique demands of each sport while pushing aesthetic boundaries.This new category represents a bold evolution for Jordan Brand, and my role is focused on building the foundation of materials design excellence that connects elite performance with iconic style.

Education

• Politecnico di Milano

  Master’s Degree in Brand Communication - Designing, Building, & Managing a Brand

  2015 — 2017

• Harvard University

  Certificate Program: Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, Financial Accounting, Business

  2022 — 2023

• Fashion Institute of Technology

  Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design, Specialization in Knitwear Design

  2011 — 2015

Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Microsoft Office
• Mac Os
• Kaledo
• Vetigraph
• Lectra Modaris
• Web Pdm
• Gerber
• Logo Design
• Cad
• Wordpress
• Wix
• Shima Seiki
• Coppo
• Brother Knitting Machine
• Sewing
• Embroidery
• Knitwear
• Draping
• Flat Pattern
• Illustration
• Digital Illustration
• Writing
• Design
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Graphic Design
• Sketching
• Drawing
• Sourcing
• Product Design
• Product Development
• Indesign
• Technical Drawing
• Plm