Written By Lexx Thomas
Dominque Waters, an Ohio native and Central State University graduate, launched the Akron Sneaker Academy. This academy is a nonprofit that uses sneaker design to introduce the youth to design, science, and engineering. They empower youth by providing transformative educational experiences that open doors to endless possibilities in STEAM and beyond. Waters spent more than a decade working in the fashion and retail industry.
After five years in New York City where he worked at Burberry and Louis Vuitton, he moved home to Akron in 2020. In 2022, he became the manager of UNKNWN. Co-founded by LeBron James, the downtown store sold shoes and streetwear for men.
It was at UNKNWN that Waters immersed himself in sneaker culture — and saw how it brought the community together. It was there that the seeds for Akron Sneaker Academy took root. When the store closed in January 2024, he was ready for his next move. Since January 2024 he’s helped more than 800 students through workshops and summer camps.
Akron Sneaker Academy believes in the power of collaboration, working with community partners to foster growth and shared prosperity for Akron and its people. They champion innovative and sustainable practices, aiming to shape a future where creativity and responsibility come together to impact industry and community.
Dominique Waters the founder of the Akron Sneaker Academy stated, “There is a wealth of talent in the hearts and minds of our young people, especially those from marginalized communities. As a kid from the inner-city, sneakers were a form of empowerment, they made me believe I could achieve anything.”
“Sneakers are the draw because it’s culturally relevant, but a lot of our youth in the inner city don’t know what polymers are,” stated the founder. His five year plan is to create a global innovation center built in Akron, Ohio.
