BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Freda G. Sampson is an advocate for justice and equity.  She consults and facilitates with companies and organizations throughout the region on diversity, 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 Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion where she managed multiple initiatives that dealt with racial equity in Metropolitan Detroit. Freda is also an entrepreneur having owned and operating several coffeehouses in midtown Detroit.  She is the president of the Frederick G. Sampson Foundation a 501c3 named after her father.  The Foundation’s mission focuses on theological education and social justice.

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Freda’s educational background includes Masters 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, CA.  Additionally, she has completed leadership programs including New Detroit’s Multicultural Leadership Program, Harvard University School of Divinity Leadership Program and Leadership Detroit, Class XXXIII.  Freda is a published author and has been featured in Essence magazine and other publications and was selected as one of Crain’s 40 under 40 in 2001. Finally, Freda serves on a number of community boards and is the pet parent to Sebastian Stratavinsky, an adorable 5 lb. Yorkie.