From the South Side of Chicago to the global stage of sneaker design and entrepreneurship, Jason Mayden’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a lifelong commitment to lifting others as he climbs.
Jason began sketching sneakers as a boy, dreaming not only of athletic greatness but of shaping the culture around it. That dream carried him to Nike, where he became the first design intern at Jordan Brand and went on to create iconic designs such as the Air Jordan XVII Mule and Air Jordan 2009. Yet his impact has always extended beyond footwear. For Jason, design is a way of thinking — a lifestyle that merges imagination with purpose.
He has carried that purpose into ventures he co-founded that empower the next generation. Through Trillicon Valley, a collective of innovators across industries, and Super Heroic, a company helping children see themselves as powerful and capable, Jason has built platforms that inspire and equip youth to recognize their potential. His leadership also extends into angel investing and mentoring, where he continues to open doors for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Jason’s belief that creativity can unlock possibility has earned him wide recognition, from being named a Henry Crown Fellow to inclusion on Ebony’s Power 100 and Fast Company’s Most Creative People lists. The city of Austin even proclaimed “Jason Mayden Day” in his honor. But what peers admire most is not the accolades, but his generosity, authenticity, and ability to instill courage and hope in those around him. As classmate Alan Chiu observed, “Jason exemplifies the style of leadership that lifts people up, inspires creativity, and creates a sense of limitless possibilities.”
For a boy who once dreamed on the pages of a notebook, Jason Mayden has never stopped imagining. Today, he channels that imagination into others — sparking ambition, creativity, and courage in communities worldwide.
