Miesha Blackshear
Miesha Blackshear is a Process Training Manager at Nordstrom with a decade of experience in logistics, operations, and workforce development. Based in Portland, Oregon, she began her career in operations after transitioning from insurance claims into logistics, where she discovered a passion for building strong, high-performing teams. Her background includes leadership roles with companies such as Peloton, Converse, and The TJX Companies, where she managed warehouse operations, led cross-functional teams, and implemented process improvements that enhanced efficiency and accountability.
After spending 10 years on the operational side of logistics, Miesha transitioned into a support-focused leadership role to become more directly connected to employees from day one. In her current position, she leads new-hire orientation, introduces team members to safety protocols and operational processes, and ensures they feel prepared and supported before stepping onto the floor. Drawing from her collegiate and semi-professional basketball background, she emphasizes teamwork, communication, and trust-building as the foundation of effective leadership and long-term success.
Miesha is passionate about mentorship, relationship-building, and creating environments where individuals feel valued and empowered to grow. She serves on Nordstrom’s Grant Committee and supports philanthropic initiatives including Shoes That Fit and outreach efforts assisting homeless individuals. Recognized as a 2026 representative for Influential Woman in Portland, Oregon, Miesha continues to champion people-first leadership—believing that when employees feel supported, respected, and heard, both individuals and organizations thrive.
• Lean Sigma White Belt (Converse)
• Tiffin University – Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Human Resources Management and Services - In Progress
• The University of Texas Permian Basin – Studies in Criminal Justice and Corrections
• Howard College – Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS), Psychology
• Influential Women 2026
• Grant Committee Member – Nordstrom
• Shoes That Fit
• Feeding and supporting homeless individuals
• AAU Basketball Coaching
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the foundation of teamwork instilled in me through basketball, both at the collegiate and semi-professional level. The discipline, accountability, and ability to build buy-in from a team have shaped my entire leadership approach. I also credit mentors, including coaches who consistently pushed me beyond what I believed I was capable of achieving. My background in logistics and operations further strengthened my problem-solving abilities and adaptability, allowing me to grow through transitions and challenges.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be kind — because kindness truly goes a long way. I also learned from a coach who continually challenged me to push past my perceived limits and see that I was capable of more than I thought. That encouragement reshaped how I approach growth, leadership, and opportunity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to learn how to build strong relationships and communicate effectively. Seek mentors, be a team player, and genuinely care about people — even outside of your professional environment. When you value others and support their growth, you create opportunities not only for them but for yourself as well.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the challenges in operations and logistics is instability caused by layoffs and the limitations that some roles can impose. However, there is also a significant opportunity to improve hands-on onboarding, strengthen relationship-building, and increase mental health awareness for new hires. Being on the front end of operations has allowed me to see how impactful proper training and support can be from day one.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Communication is central to everything I do. I value the ability to communicate effectively with different people, recognizing that everyone communicates differently. Building trust is equally important — I want people to know they can rely on me for guidance and support. Most importantly, I value people. Without them, there is no team and no organization. When individuals feel genuinely valued and supported, they perform better and grow both professionally and personally. My goal is to build relationships that close gaps, foster trust, and create meaningful impact.