Freda G. Sampson, MFA, CDP

(Pronouns – she, her, hers)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategist • Author • Entrepreneur • Influencer

​

Freda G. Sampson is an advocate for equity, justice and radical inclusion.  She is entrepreneur, creative, and author. Her passion stems from growing up and observing her father, Rev. Dr. Frederick G. Sampson, II, a civil rights leader and pastor fight for equality for all people. Witnessing that love in action has formed the direction of her personal and professional journey. A diversity and inclusion professional, Freda provides consulting, training and facilitation services to corporations, governmental agencies and organizations throughout Michigan and Canada on diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency. 

​

Diversity & Inclusion Professional

Currently, Freda consults and facilitates with Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion (MRDI) for corporations, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations throughout the region on diversity, equity, inclusion and cultural competency.  She was formerly the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.  Prior to that, Freda worked for MRDI where she managed multiple community initiatives that focusing on racial equity. 

 

Entrepreneur

Freda is an entrepreneur having owned and operated several coffeehouses in midtown Detroit. Currently, she owns three businesses:

• Pause Detroit, LLC – A Weekend Café and Intimate Facility Space specializing in food, art, and music (Projected Opening Spring 2021)

• Vision Publishing, LLC  - A company focusing on multimedia projects including books, audio and video projects, and apparel.

• Freda G. Sampson, LLC – A consulting company on diversity, equity and inclusion

​

Non-Profit / Faith

Freda is the president of the Frederick G. Sampson Foundation a 501c3.  The Foundation’s mission focuses on theological education, social justice and community engagement.

​

Volunteer for Gift of Life Michigan Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program.

​

Boards currently serving:

• Board Chair – Frederick G Sampson Foundation

• Board Member – Detroit Public Television

• Board member – Fair Housing Center for Metro Detroit

• Past Immediate Board Vice Chair – Board of Ethics, City of Detroit

• Board member – Ecumenical Theological Seminary

• Member Emeritus – Community Advisory Panel, Detroit Public Television

 

Lifelong Learner

Freda’s educational background includes a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Tennessee State University, and an Associate of Arts Degree from Brooks School of Design in Long Beach, California.  

 

Additionally, she has completed leadership programs including New Detroit’s Multicultural Leadership Program, Harvard University School of Divinity Leadership Program and Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Detroit, Class XXXIII. 

 

Certification

Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) – Qualified Administrator 2016

Certified Diversity Professional – CDP 2020

__________________________________

 

MY PASSION PROJECT

​

My passion project is about elevating, articulating, and incorporating the power and relevance of the Black Church into the American narrative.

​

The collective history of this institution is deeply embedded into the story of African Americans, and to reveal the many hidden figures of spiritual and intellectual genius that informed the movements of justice in this country from 1619 to today.