2024 Hall of Achievement Inductee

Sarah Mensah is President of Jordan Brand (NIKE, Inc.), stewarding all aspects of the globally resonant brand.

A talented leader with a passion for team culture, Sarah has played key roles across Nike’s geographical and Jordan businesses. She previously served as vice president/general manager (VP/GM) of Nike North America, leading NIKE, Inc.’s largest geography. Prior to that, Sarah was VP/GM for Nike’s Asia, Pacific, and Latin America (APLA) geography, becoming the first Black female to hold the role of geography general manager at Nike. Her career with Nike has also included stints leading Nike Sportswear for APLA, as VP/GM of Jordan Brand North America, and as senior director of global strategy and business development for Jordan Brand.

Before joining Nike in 2013, Sarah spent 19 years working for the Portland Trail Blazers, where she held roles of increasing responsibility, last serving as senior vice president and chief operating officer.

At that time, Mensah was one of the highest-ranking women in professional sports, and she has been credited with contributing to the revitalization of the Trail Blazers brand and financial viability. Under her leadership, the team launched many successful ventures, such as the Rise with Us campaign, the Rip City United fan loyalty program, and the team’s Make It Better commitment to the community.

Sarah is one of three co-founders of the Portland area nonprofit North Pole Studio, which supports artists with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mensah has been recognized for numerous honors, including as a Women in Sports Business Game Changer by the Sports Business Journal, as a Top Executive in Marketing and Advertising by Black Enterprise magazine, as a Woman of Influence/Orchid Award winner by the Portland Business Journal, and as a recipient of the Urban League’s Equal Opportunity Day Award. Most recently, Adweek named her one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Sports, and the Oregon Historical Society honored her as an Oregon History Maker. She is a dedicated advocate for underrepresented communities and individuals, with an emphasis on children and on autism.

Return to Hall of Achievement »