Portfolio
About Me.
Suzanne Vu is an accomplished materials design leader with deep expertise in innovation, material strategy, and product development. Suzanne specializes in bringing creative concepts to life through thoughtful material storytelling, technical excellence, and strategic innovation. With a passion for craftsmanship and a forward-thinking approach to design, Suzanne has built a career at the intersection of creativity and performance, shaping products that elevate both brand vision and consumer experience. Her work is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.
Design Experience
Present-2025
Nike/Jordan
Sr Expert Apparel Material Design
Portland OR
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Create and lead material concepts for major product platforms.
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Develop innovative technologies and material solutions that elevate performance, trend relevance, and sustainability.
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Translate consumer insights and cultural trends into compelling material narratives through mood boards, storytelling, and concept presentations. -Build prototypes, mockups, and 3D samples to bring ideas to life.
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Collaborate cross-functionally with product design, engineering, materials development, sustainability, R&D, production, costing, testing, and marketing teams to drive material innovation from concept to execution
2025-2022
Nike/Jordan
Sr Director Footwear Material Design
Portland OR
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Created and directd brand defining cross category material strategy, innovation and alignment.
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Evaluated and drove new materials & processes.
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Led Jordan brands sustainability strategy.
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Led cross category team (performance, sportswear, womens and kids) and sets team and individual goals. Set team offsites and creative cross functional working sessions.
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Gave creative input, motivated and managed work flow of team.
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Partnered within design and cross category business leadership to ensure they understand Material Design vision and help to align on future strategies and build a better process together.
2012-2010
Puma
Sr Color and Material Design Footwear
Boston MA
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Created seasonal material/color/trend presentations.
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Created of material briefs to suppliers on a seasonal basis.
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Created footwear color and material specs that address consumer, retailer and business needs on a seasonal timeline.
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Merchandised color and material use across the Performance footwear product line.
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Traveled to domestic and international markets/trade shows to research and observe fashion, consumer, retail and market trends.
2016-2014
Pop Up Shop PDX
Founder
Boston MA / Portland OR
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Owned and operated Pop Up shop Pdx which is a monthly curated market which features homegoods, accessories, antiques, as well as art, and crafts by local artisans and designers. Company development- Established company and created business plan. Event strategy and execution
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Oversaw all aspects of event execution, including logistics, design, production, and on site management. Marketing and Promotion- Developed marketing strategies to promote events and increase visibility. Vendor coordination
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Built network, communicate and organize logistics. Budget management- Developed and managed event budgets.
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Dec 2014-Dec 2016 (Portland OR) Dec 2014 (1 market), Dec 2015 (1 market), Nov - Dec 2016 (8 markets) June 2009 (Somerville, MA) Organized an Event called Sew What?!? In collaboration with the Somerville Arts Council. Sew What?!? was a Fashion art shopping event Featuring Vendors, Artists, Clothing swap with diy stations, Sewing machines & notions on site and clothing donation drive.
2010-2005
New Balance
Sr Materials Developer
Boston MA
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Designed and developed new materials, technologies & processes for implementation into the Lifestyle and PF Flyer categories.
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Communicated with vendors to explain New Balance's present and future material needs and, on an on-going basis, works to correct any material problems.
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Attended a variety of trade shows to identify new materials, colors & trends that may have some applicability for use in new product development.
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Developed seasonal trend, color and material direction which includes: consumer research, material developments, graphics and color direction and application globally.
Board Experience
Present-2024
SICC State Intergency Coordinating Council Board Member
Department of Education
Portland OR
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The State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) ensures interagency coordination and supports the ongoing development of quality statewide services for young children and their families (by Authority of IDEA and ORS 343.499). The Council advises, advocates, and collaborates on state, local and individual levels to maximize each child’s unique potential and ability to participate in society. The Council works to improve the quality of life for children who experience disability according to each family’s value system.
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Advise appropriate agencies on unmet needs in early childhood special education and early intervention programs for children with disabilities.
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Assist in developing and reporting data on and evaluation of the programs and services
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Assist in the development and implementation of policies that constitute a statewide system.
Present-2023
Down Syndrome Network Oregon (DSNO) Vice President
Portland OR
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DSNO provides community/connection for families, friends, individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
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Developed branding logos and comprehensive brand identity toolkits, including social media resources.
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Organized and facilitated the 0-5 parent meetups, enhancing community engagement and networking. -Buddy walk committee member.
Catalyst
To be a catalyst is to inspire possibility, create with intention, and activate meaningful change.
Inspire & Empower
I seek inspiration & inspire others
I lead w/ openness, empathy & courage
Team & Growth Development
Built & lead team of cross category Material Designers. Grew team 400%.
Participated in Authentic Leadership, Dare to Lead seminars. Led Dare to Lead team workshop (Dare to led team certified).
Completed Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development. Wharton School of Business
Inspire & Empower
Lead/organized team workshops/events: maker days, ceramic studio visit, food artist talk and leather workshops.
Community Engagement
Lead/organized group volunteer opportunities Childrens book bank, Everybody Athletics. Worked on Wings program (mentorship/education program) provided mentorship & product direction. Worked on Make a Wish and Doernbecher programs.
Create & Innovate
I embrace growth and new possibilities
I explore ideas from fresh perspectives
Color Strategy
Worked with global partners to develop New Balance’s color palette across footwear and apparel.
Worked on color evolution for Puma to show where colors shifted seasonally. First time information was shared this way to support design direction.
Material Strategy
Material strategy create overarching material creative direction for Jordan based off brand overarching creative direction
Innovation Roadmap
Created Jordan footwear materials sustainability and innovation roadmap. Sustainability lead for Jordan brand.
Created Jordans first material exhibition. Goal was to share with brand who we are as a function of design. Share history of org, mission and vision, Jordan footwear material sustainability and innovation roadmap. Future material design exploration/concepts.
Activate & Advocate
I turn ideas into action
I bring people together to collaborate
Community Connection
created POP UP SHOP PDX holiday market. Two years in NW pearl and one year on Alberta St which was a 2 month long retail space. organized all aspects: location, vendors, marketing opportunity to provide new artists space/place
Advocate
Vice president of down syndrome network oregon DSNO. Completed FACT oregon activate your advocacy program. Currently serving as a government appointed board member on Oregons SICC state interagency coordinating council advisory board which ensures interagency coordination of quality statewide services for young children with disabilities and their families
Met with legislatures and provided legislative testimony to support early intervention and early childhood education and the $22M needed investment in order to support caseload growth and prevent cuts.
