Perika Sampson

Perika Sampson is a highly regarded DEI executive, thought leader, advocate and strategist, with a distinguished career spanning various leadership roles in corporate America. With a strong commitment to fostering inclusive cultures and driving meaningful change, Perika has made significant contributions to DEI initiatives across industries.

In her most recent role as the Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Gilead Sciences, Perika led a team of subject matter experts tasked with providing strategic guidance and leadership on inclusion and diversity strategies, programs, and practices. She partnered with colleagues across the organization to address critical issues such as health equity, community engagement, and talent acquisition, demonstrating her integrated approach to DEI leadership.

Prior to her tenure at Gilead, Perika served as the Senior Regional Diversity Officer for Morgan Stanley, where she played a key role in driving diversity and inclusion efforts, talent acquisition strategies, and community engagement initiatives in Wealth Management. Her leadership extended to managing national partnerships and spearheading initiatives such as the Wealth Management Return to Work program and its Branch Analyst diversity recruiting efforts, highlighting her commitment to fostering diverse talent pipelines and supporting career development opportunities.

Prior to her corporate roles, Perika founded and managed Dearborn Consulting Partners, where she provided consulting services on diversity and inclusion strategy. Her experience in consulting allowed her to collaborate with organizations to develop tailored DEI solutions for companies across multiple industries.

Perika's professional journey also includes serving as Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at Bank One (now JP Morgan), where she honed her strategic acumen and leadership skills. In addition, to marketing and relationship management roles at Charles Schwab and two technology start-ups.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Perika is actively involved in various community organizations and initiatives. She serves on the boards of the American Heart Association and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Chorus, demonstrating her commitment to health equity and community engagement. Additionally, she leads the Oakland Symphony's Taskforce on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and chairs the Black Wealth Summit's Advisory Board, further amplifying her impact in advancing DEI efforts beyond the corporate sphere.

Perika's dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident through her leadership, advocacy, and community involvement.