Dominique Waters
Dominique Waters is a proud Akron native and first-generation college graduate who studied Vocal Performance at Central State University. With over a decade of experience in fashion and retail, he’s held leadership roles at Lacoste, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., and Nike. Under Virgil Abloh’s direction, Dominique became the top menswear performer for Louis Vuitton in New York City. In 2024, he founded Akron Sneaker Academy to empower youth furthest from opportunity through culturally relevant STEM, social-emotional learning, and entrepreneurship. His work bridges fashion, innovation, and education to reimagine what’s possible for Akron’s next generation.
About the Project
“SOLE” Box is a hands-on, innovative learning experience that uses sneaker culture to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection in Akron’s youth furthest from opportunity. Delivered in the form of a sleek sneaker box, it weaves together polymers, design, entrepreneurship, local history, and identity. ”SOLE” Box will launch through youth-centered pop-up activations across downtown Akron.
The long-term vision for “SOLE” Box is to curate a guaranteed experience for all 6th-grade youth in partnership with Akron Public Schools. This will offer early exposure to STEM, storytelling, and career pathways rooted in Akron’s rich industrial legacy.
“Unbox your potential.”