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Sam Sepah
High-Tech Leader, International Keynote Speaker, Author, Board, Film Producer and Executive Coach
Professional Background
Sam Sepah is a prominent figure in the fields of Human Resources and accessibility advocacy with over 15 years of invaluable experience working for some of the most respected organizations worldwide. His remarkable career includes prominent roles at industry giants such as Google, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), IBM, GE-NBC Universal, Siemens, Sprint, MCI, and Apple. Sam has made a significant impact throughout his career by championing employment rights for underrepresented workers, particularly for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
As the youngest individual appointed by the Governor of Vermont to the Commission on Employment for People with Disabilities, Sam has demonstrated his commitment to promoting inclusivity and empowering individuals facing challenges in the workforce. He has used his unique position to advise over 300 managers and executives across various sectors, ensuring that their teams not only understand but also prioritize diversity in the workplace.
Known as the only Deaf HR professional currently working in Fortune 500 companies, Sam’s groundbreaking contributions have made him a sought-after expert on workforce diversity management. His expertise in this area has led to numerous invitations to speak at business conferences where he shares valuable insights on leadership and effective diversity best practices.
Education and Achievements
Sam Sepah holds a Master’s degree from the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology, an institution known for its robust commitment to technology and education for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. His education has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various high-impact HR roles.
His impressive career trajectory includes several pivotal roles at Google, where he served as Lead Accessibility Research Product Manager, Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Research Product Manager, Organization Development Program Manager, Global HR Program Manager, and Corporate Recruiter. Throughout these roles, Sam has focused on creating an accessible workplace and integrating cutting-edge technology with human resources strategies to promote diversity and inclusion.
Prior to his notable tenure at Google, Sam honed his expertise in various capacities, including as an Administrative Officer at the National Institutes of Health, Lead HR Specialist at the U.S. Department of Labor, and HR Diversity Lead at IBM. His career began with internships that he completed at General Electric - NBC Universal Entertainment and Siemens Corp. - Osram Sylvania, where he gained foundational knowledge in human resources diversity practices.
Moreover, as a former HR Executive Consultant and Leadership Coach at Sepah Consulting, Sam has not only catered to the needs of organizations but has also played a pivotal role in developing leadership capabilities among professionals, making significant contributions toward workforce inclusiveness and empowerment.
Achievements
- Pioneering Advocacy for the Deaf Community: Sam's commitment to advocating for employment rights has placed him at the forefront of discussions around accessibility in the workplace, making significant strides towards inclusivity.
- Governor's Appointment: Being the youngest person appointed to the Commission on Employment for People with Disabilities by the Governor of Vermont highlights Sam's impactful standing in advocacy and leadership.
- Extensive Impact: Providing counsel to over 300 managers and executives establishes Sam as a trusted advisor and resource for organizations seeking to foster diverse and inclusive work environments.
- Speaking Engagements: Frequently invited to share his insights at various conferences, Sam utilizes his platform to educate others on best practices in leadership and diversity within corporate structures.
- Leadership Roles: His cumulative experiences in high-level HR positions at Fortune 500 companies speak to his leadership skills and his focus on fostering a diverse workforce, demonstrating an enduring commitment to breaking barriers in employment.
- Innovation in Accessibility Management: As a Lead Accessibility Research Product Manager at Google, Sam leverages the latest in technology to improve accessibility practices that align with the needs of disabled employees.
In summary, Sam Sepah’s dedication to enhancing diversity and accessibility within the workforce is both inspiring and impactful. His impressive educational background, extensive professional history in feasible leadership positions, and ongoing contributions as an advocate for the underrepresented make him a remarkable role model for future generations in the fields of human resources and diversity management.
