For 30 years, leading music on Sunday morning was Wilson Smith's way of serving. Working at Nike designing footwear - including two Air Jordans - was a fulfilling, but separate endeavor. Or so he thought. Then, in 2007, after conversations with various community groups, he and other volunteers got involved, along with their employer Nike, in a special service project: revamping the sports facilities of Roosevelt High School, one of the country's poorest schools, by rebuilding the track, stadium, field and locker rooms. Smith is now helping Nike to "just do it" in terms of philanthropic engagement: revamping/building sports facilities here in Portland and in developing countries, aiding recovery efforts in Haiti, and designing footwear specifically for Native American and aboriginal communities. Smith says his service has expanded beyond singing. At work you have to do your job, but service can also happen at work as an integral part of your job.
Wilson W. Smith III is Design Director and Creative Catalyst - Innovation Pantry at Nike, Inc.
