People of every talent join Uber for all types of reasons. Some want to work at Uber scale. Others want to experience growing a tech company. For Samareua Pope, the reasons were both personal and professional: “Uber offered the most promising avenues for personal growth and active community engagement.
Driven by a desire to help both clients and the Black community inside and outside of Uber, in addition to her role as an Implementation Specialist on our Uber for Business team, Samareua joined Black at Uber as a San Francisco Lead: “It’s a responsibility I approach with care, using it as a driving force to advance our mission of inclusivity and meaningful programming for minority employees,” she shares below.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
“Prior to joining Uber, my background was in the medical field, where I was studying Psychology. Initially, my goal was to further my education in this field, but life took a different turn. Thanks to the support of my partner, I managed to leverage my transferable skills in client-facing roles and management, which ultimately led me to secure an exciting position within the Implementation team at Uber for Business.”
Why did you join Uber?
“I found inspiration in the company’s core values. During the interview process, I felt a strong connection with the value of Do the right thing. Period. I firmly believe that making ethical choices in all facets of life is important. Uber, in my view, offered the most promising avenues for personal growth and active community engagement. These aspects hold significant importance when I contemplate the broader perspective of my life. I am constantly seeking opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone and challenge me to gain new knowledge and skills.”
Tell us about your role.
“I am on the Implementation team at Uber for Business. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. My primary role involves collaborating closely with Account Executives to implement tailored business solutions for our clients. This entails developing strategic rollout plans for client organizations, establishing clear deadlines, and setting project milestones to ensure alignment with our deadlines. One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet new clients, delving into their businesses, and gaining insights into their perspectives on Uber.”
What’s surprised you most since joining Uber?
“The culture within the community was the first inviting aspect for me. When I first started, I had no idea of what to expect and how I could broaden my influence. I was impressed by the sense of togetherness, inclusiveness, and, most importantly, the bond that I developed with my team.”
What does it mean to be an ERG leader at Uber?
“Being an ERG leader holds immense significance for me. I draw inspiration from executives and colleagues who have paved the way for individuals like me. It’s a responsibility I approach with care, using it as a driving force to advance our mission of inclusivity and meaningful programming for minority employees.”
How does Black at Uber drive impact within Uber and outside of Uber?
“Black at Uber drives impact within the organization by offering visibility and representation for Black employees. Our focus is on providing educational initiatives, fostering networking opportunities, encouraging collaboration among peers, and creating chances for growth and expansion.
Beyond Uber, we are actively cultivating relationships with other Black ERG groups to expand our network. As the old adage goes, “We’re better together.” Our goal is to bridge the gap and strengthen our collective impact.”
Best kept secret about being an ERG member?
“The unique opportunity it provides for personal and professional growth.”
What makes Black at Uber such a special place to be?
“A place doesn’t always refer to a physical space; it can also be a profound feeling. I firmly believe that as we continue to grow, our aim will be to nurture that sense of community, partnership, diversity, and comprehensive cultural representation. When all these elements come together, I am confident that every member can discover what makes this ERG truly special.”
How else are you and Uber working to have a positive impact on local communities and the world?
“I am currently in the process of seeking opportunities to partner with schools in my hometown of Oakland, CA. My primary goal is to provide support to minority students in finding pathways into the tech industry. Despite living in the Bay Area, where Silicon Valley is right in our backyard, many opportunities have passed us by. I want to drive change and make a significant, positive impact. My vision includes hosting coding camps at Uber in partnership with ERG communities.”
Go-to Uber Eats order?
“My guilty pleasure is a snickerdoodle milkshake from MELT in Oakland at 11pm.”
Join Samareua at Uber for Business and explore our Black at Uber ERG →
Posted by Uber
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