Satra Sampson-Arokium
Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Dechert LLP
Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA & New York, NY
Industry: Law
CEO: Henry Nassau
Website: www.dechert.com
Her Credentials: Masters of Public Administration, Marist College; BA, political science, State University of New York at Albany
Her Philosophy: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Dr. Maya Angelou; Take the time to listen, and always treat people with dignity and respect.
Dechert publicly condemned the tragic and unconscionable murder of George Floyd and countless others. In response to Black Lives Matter, the firm’s diversity team planned and implemented a comprehensive employee program to deepen our understanding of racism, anti-racist practices, and ally-ship. The program included a Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit; Juneteenth—A Day to Reflect and Recharge; Virtual Forums for Black Employees; and Stand Against Racism Town Hall and Speaker Series.
In 2021, to improve associate retention, especially for diverse and women associates, and promote a culture that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dechert will launch a mentoring program, plan a work allocation system, build on its town hall and racial justice series, continue interactive sessions on inclusive leadership, launch and train a new class of diversity liaison partners who will oversee D&I efforts in their respective practice groups, and host a virtual Diverse Lawyers’ Symposium and a Sponsorship and Sustained Support program for senior female associates, counsel, and partners.