Kevin Li, class of 2012, credits the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center with providing him with the skills needed to succeed in his career. Below are Li’s responses as part of an ongoing question and answer series with Warsaw Center alumni.

Describe your current position and role.

I’m currently a senior influencer marketing manager in Nike’s north and west China territory. In a nutshell, my job is to identify game changers in youth culture and to own and manage relationships with them. We look at influencers of different dimensions, such as sports, community, and youth. They become ambassadors of the brand and help us create authentic and unbreakable relationships with our consumers.

How did the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center help shape your career?

The sports business specialization within the Oregon MBA program provided me with business fundamentals and knowledge of sports—both of which were crucial for a business professional working for a world-leading sports brand like Nike. The alumni network is simply unmatched compared to any other sports business programs in the United States. In addition, being a Duck helps me better understand the inner drive of sport and how it shapes people’s lives.

What key sports business trends are you following?

Sneaker culture as a business and athletes—like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry—as business owners.

What do you miss about Eugene?

The fresh air, running and hiking trails, the Beer Stein, the university’s rec center, and the nice people.