Nike is partnering up with the city of Atlanta integrating a more attainable digital relationship between consumers and technology.
The giant retail company announced today that the Atlanta Technology Center, located in West Midtown, will open to the public early 2023.
Nike’s Senior Technology Leader of Corporate Information Security Department, Dr. Mona-Lisa Pinkey, said Atlanta has a “strong connection to sport, as well as the city’s wealth of skilled and diverse tech talent – both in the private and public sectors – and all the great universities in the region.”
With professional teams such as the Hawks, Braves, Falcons, and many others, the tech center will focus on three fields under the “Centers of Excellence.”
The education-based areas will be routed around logistics and supply chain, cybersecurity, and machine learning associated with artificial intelligence. Logistics and Supply Chain will be a first of its kind used to accelerate a digital-first supply chain.
Machine learning will serve as a gateway to reimagine experiences for consumers while cybersecurity will see expansion on the East Coast.
Nike aims to bridge the gap between technology and communities for easier access to its resources.
“At Nike, we take great pride in attracting and retaining some of the world’s most creative and talented minds in the industry and have a strong focus on developing a deep bench of diverse and capable talent,” Pinkney detailed.
She added, “We will continue to build on this commitment at the Atlanta Technology Center and I look forward to building a creative and diverse team.”
As of now, all current workers are still awaiting for the completion of the center’s construction. In the meantime, the staff works remotely.
With Pinkney’s experience, she considers this partnership as part of the “next chapter” in her career.
“By being able to return to the South, and not too far from my home state of North Carolina,” she said, “I’m excited to lead the Nike Atlanta Technology Center, where we’ll work on cutting-edge technology and innovation initiatives that move the world forward through sport.”
The North Carolina native is affiliated with many initiatives revolving around technology for the betterment of Blacks in tech, racial equity and the advancement of women.
She is the co-founder of the Black Employees in Technology Network (BEiT). Pinkney is also a board member on the WiCys Conference Program Committee and the Racial Equity Committee.
As a wearer of many hats for the betterment of her community and networks, Pinkney said she is “passionate” about “building relationships with local organizations who help to create avenues for equity” in the heart of Atlanta, per Afrotech.