Jordan Brand receives 2025 Legacy Award
The Maurice Lucas Foundation Legacy Award celebrates an individual or individuals who embody commitment to our youth. The recipients are service-oriented, community leaders who commit personal resources and business resources through the Maurice Lucas Foundation in the form of time, talent, and treasure. They provided opportunities for our youth, inspired our staff, and shared our mission with others. The 2025 Legacy Award is presented to a person or organization who has given exceptional support to the Maurice Lucas Foundation. We are honored to name Jordan Brand as this year’s recipient of the Legacy Award.
Jordan Brand has been an unwavering champion of the Maurice Lucas Foundation, which includes scholarships awarded through Jordan Brand Wings Initiative, sponsorships, in-kind donations, and cash grants. Their partnership through the Scholars Program has enabled students to attend institutions of their dreams. Their investment has created transformational, life-changing opportunities beyond measure.
Remarkable leaders whose vision and advocacy have been instrumental
Below, we spotlight four remarkable leaders whose vision and advocacy have been instrumental in elevating the Foundation’s mission:
Howard White – Vice President, Jordan Brand, Nike, Inc.
A former University of Maryland basketball star and NBA draft pick, Howard “H” White joined Nike in 1978 and helped shape the foundation of the Jordan Brand. He was instrumental in signing Michael Jordan and later launched the Jordan Wings Initiative, which continues to provide life-changing educational opportunities. A lifelong mentor and leader, he also created the “Believe to Achieve” program, inspiring thousands of young people across the country.
Larry Miller – Chairman, Jordan Brand Advisory Board
Larry Miller is widely recognized as an inspirational leader with a deep understanding of building innovative, culturally resonant, and premium businesses in sport and lifestyle. He currently oversees strategic initiatives for the Jordan Brand, working closely with Michael Jordan and Nike’s global leadership. Miller previously served as President of the Jordan Brand twice, first from 1999 to 2006 and again beginning in 2012, leading through periods of significant expansion including the launch of women’s apparel and the growth of Team Jordan. Before rejoining Nike, he was President and Alternate Governor of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. He is the author of JUMP: My Secret Journey from the Streets to the Boardroom, co-written with his daughter Laila Lacy, and is the founder of JUMP, the Justice and Upward Mobility Project.
Sarah Mensah – President, Jordan Brand
The first woman to serve as President of Jordan Brand, Sarah Mensah has been a trailblazer in sports and business leadership. She has held pivotal roles across Nike’s North America and international businesses and previously served as COO of the Portland Trail Blazers. Her vision has redefined community engagement and elevated Jordan Brand’s global culture, earning her recognition among the most powerful women in sports.
Cameryn Rutlin – Global Communications & Purpose Director, Jordan Brand
A leader in Jordan Brand’s global Purpose team, Cameryn Rutlin oversees the Wings Initiative and other purpose-driven programs that create opportunities for youth worldwide. With a background spanning nonprofit leadership and the NBA, she is dedicated to using sport and culture as platforms to inspire and empower the next generation.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Howard White, Larry Miller, Sarah Mensah, and Cameryn Rutlin for championing the work of the Maurice Lucas Foundation, uplifting our mission, and continually creating platforms where our impact can be most profoundly felt.
About the Maurice Lucas Foundation
The Foundation is named in honor of the late Maurice Lucas (1952-2010), the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Trail Blazers team. Besides his outstanding achievements on the court, Lucas also selflessly gave his time and energy to Portland youth. Since its formation in 2010, the Maurice Lucas Foundation has served thousands of students and families through its Academy program, basketball camps and teams.