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Farren Roper

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leader @Amazon | World 50 I&D Leader of the Year nominee | Mogul Top 100 Leaders | TEDx speaker | Published Author | Lawyer | ex-Microsoft & Qualtrics

Farren Roper is a seasoned professional in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) currently working as a DEI leader at Amazon Web Services (AWS).23 He has a diverse background that includes experience in HR, marketing, product management, and law.3

Prior to his role at AWS, Roper served as the Global Head of DEI at Qualtrics, where he led initiatives to increase representation of underrepresented groups and worked on creating an inclusive environment.13 He has also worked at Microsoft in the past.3

Roper's career achievements include:

  • Being nominated for the World 50 I&D Leader of the Year
  • Recognition as one of Mogul's Top 100 Leaders
  • Speaking at TEDx events
  • Authoring published works3

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Roper moved to Seattle about 5 years ago and has been living there since.1 He is an alumnus of the University of Johannesburg and the University of South Africa, and started his career at Clover SA.1 Currently, he is pursuing further studies at Wharton.4

Roper is multilingual, with professional working proficiency in Afrikaans and full professional proficiency in English.3 His passion for DEI work stems from his experiences growing up as a minority in apartheid South Africa, which instilled in him a desire to create equality in the world.1

Recently, Roper attended the AFROTECH conference in Austin, demonstrating his continued involvement in diversity and tech communities.5 He is known for his commitment to learning, making a difference, and creating positive change in the workplace and beyond.1

Highlights

Aug 27 · linkedin

Happy to share that I have completed the executive compensation strategy program with Wharton Executive Education as part of my CHRO studies. Next up... the Talent Management and Future of Work programs as I work towards graduating later this year. This is in service to my dedication to being a lifelong learner, especially when it comes to delivering great employee experiences and building workplaces where everyone can thrive. #Learner #Student #GrowthMindset #LearnAndBeCurious

Jul 18 · linkedin

Madiba's Legacy: Fight for Equity

Nelson Mandela embodied the essence of Equity. His relentless fight for justice, even after 27 years of imprisonment, transformed my country of birth, South Africa, and ignited a global movement. Mandela knew firsthand the pain of systemic exclusion and fought tirelessly to ensure that every voice was heard, every person given a fair chance. In my own lived experience he did not do it by pretending it was easy or sweeping it under the rug in an effort to be "civil". He was intentional about addressing the issues and systems for us to move forward together as a rainbow nation.

There's been a lot of noise lately about Equity in the workplace. It leaves us all with a question to ask ourselves... how do we want to leave the workplace? Are we ok with spaces that leave people behind? Are we ok to be uncomfortable to drive progress with what's right? What does workplace health mean to us? In my humble opinion, a healthy workplace is a space where we address inequitable systems and everyone gets opportunities to contribute in a way that hopefully is beneficial to the company and drives their careers.

As we celebrate Nelson Mandela Day today and share our reflections, my hope is that we can recommit to Equity. Imagine a world without the tireless efforts of people like Madiba. Some of us would undoubtedly not be where we are today.

If any HR or DEI practitioner wants to talk about Equity or needs help or resources, I have content I developed as part of my academic life that we can discuss including a scorecard and playbooks. I'm here to help. I'm so grateful to all the bold voices in my network this week. I see all of you and we are in this together.

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." – Nelson Mandela

With gratitude,

Related Questions

What inspired Farren Roper to transition into a career in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
How has Farren Roper's background in apartheid South Africa influenced his work in DEI?
What are some of the most impactful projects Farren Roper has led at AWS?
How does Farren Roper balance his role at AWS with his studies at Wharton?
What are Farren Roper's future aspirations in the field of DEI?
Farren Roper
Farren Roper, photo 1
Farren Roper, photo 2
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Location

Seattle, Washington, United States