Jarvis Sam

Jarvis Sam is the dynamic CEO and Founder of Rainbow Disruption, a cutting-edge DEI firm dedicated to transforming workplaces through innovative diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

As the former Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Nike Inc., he spearheaded initiatives to enhance diverse representation and foster inclusive leadership, solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in the DEI space. He is credited with leading organizational efforts around DEI with signature athletes like Serena Williams and Lebron James as well as notable league partners like the WNBA and NFL. His impactful work earned him a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 in Sports class of 2021 and Portland Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Sam holds three degrees as a summa cum laude graduate from Rice University, where he studied History, Public Policy, and Sport Management with a focus on race and gender rhetoric. He furthered his education with an MBA from Brown University and IE School of Business. Before joining Nike, Jarvis made significant strides as the first Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Snap, Inc., building the company's inaugural D&I strategy and leading technology recruiting efforts. His career also includes a tenure at Google as a Diversity Program Manager and foundational work as a strategy consultant at Deloitte.

In the fall of last year, Sam released his highly acclaimed and bestselling book, "DEI CREDENTIAL," which has become a cornerstone resource for DEI professionals and organizations striving for excellence. His expertise is further recognized through his roles as a Professional Faculty/Professor of Practice at both Brown University and UC Berkeley, where he imparts his extensive knowledge on DEI topics to the next generation of leaders. With over 400 speeches and panels delivered worldwide, Sam is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field.

Beyond his professional achievements, he is a passionate advocate for the arts and community engagement. He enjoys musical theater and has recently starred as Jimmy Early in a production of "Dreamgirls." An avid fan of concerts, film, and sports, he frequently entertains with renditions of Tina Turner’s greatest hits in Portland, OR, where he currently resides. Sam's multifaceted career and personal interests underscore his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and vibrant world.