Dr. Darlene Sampson lives by her late parent’s mantra: “Giving back to others is in your DNA-you must respect and honor the shoulders you have stood on.” Her research and published work are focused in the areas of academic performance specifically relating to Children of Color. Specialties include parent engagement, program review, trauma-responsive care, racial bullying, adultification of Black Children, culturally responsive social work and mental wellness, authentic engagement in schools, disproportionality and equity reviews, equity trajectories, consultation, and culturally responsive curricular augmentation. Dr. Sampson has maintained a space of social justice and cultural humility as she works across the education and social work fields as an administrator, leader, and equity specialist. Dr. Sampson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and also earned a Ph.D., in Educational Leadership with emphasis on Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. As the Executive Director of Diversity & Equity Consultants, Dr. Sampson and collaborative partners engage in equity work across the country. In her spare time, Dr. Sampson travels abroad, loves Mexican food, enjoys her large extended family, loves to ride her cruiser bike, and enjoys nurturing her two grandchildren.
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Featured Interview
- I am an empathic and experienced EDI professional dedicated to disrupting the status quo. If you are authentically ready to move you or your organization forward...I'm your person!
What year did you start in your industry?
- Let's just say I am experienced as a social worker and educator crossing and intersecting multiple fields in the industry longer than most EDI professionals. I was anchored in EDI before the work was named, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Staying fresh, up to date, and anchoring in the best practices of EDI supports my robust and current approach.
What Certifications, Degrees, Titles and Experience do you have in your industry?
- I have a Master's Degree in Social Work, with a specialty in Culturally Responsive Mental Health, Counseling, and Community-based services. I have also earned a Ph.D., in Educational Leadership. My published research focuses on Culturally Responsive Pedagogy-Specifically evaluating the curricular needs of African American Children
Why & How did you get involved in your industry?
- Walking in my diversity led me to refine my skills and do my own work to become an EDI professional, educator, and social worker. The strengths and resilience of BIPOC folxs pushed me to walk with power in my greatness and honor those who have come before me. Seeing marginalized and minoritized communities sustain and manage the challenges of layers of oppression and systemic barriers supports my fortitude. I am triumphant because of the lived experiences of others.
What do you love most about your role in your industry?
- Watching the developmental growth of others inspires my EDI work.
What is the best advice you have received about how to impact your industry?
- I was told early on that equity work is hard; however, making a difference will be uncomfortable; but essential.
What do you think are the top 3 things that help people excel in your industry?
- (1) Having done their own equity work to maintain a sense of wellness (2) Recognizing that you must pace yourself as this work is hard (3) Being aware that each person has an individual equity journey
What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in your industry?
- Stay rooted in humility, and don't expect people to change at your pace.
What do you think is the most important qualities for people to have in your industry?
- Perseverance, empathy, and the ability to not personalize the challenges of others.
What obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in your industry?
- You don't have enough time for the obstacles I have faced embedding EDI work here and abroad!
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?
- I am most proud of organizations and individuals selecting me as their go-to person for EDI work, and describing my work as vibrant and authentic. I am especially proud of my son, Tristen, and how he is blossoming as a father, husband and son. I am overjoyed over my two grandchildren and the joy they bring me every day.
Who is is one person that has influenced your direction in life? Explain How.
- There is never one person. There is a collective of individuals that sustain you at different times in your life. I can definitely say that my parents, Alvin & Annie Sampson were the first Ph.D's of wisdom I met who taught me so much; yet, they were not educated. They desired so much for their children and instilled a love of learning in my soul. My siblings also pushed, teased, and prodded me toward greatness.
What advice would you give to the younger generation?
- Never take for granted the shoulders you have stood on!
What do you want your legacy to be?
- Dr. Sampson was challenging and pushed us-but she was also kind and empathic.
What else would you like people to know about you?
- We all must stay on the equity and civil rights case!
