Kharissa Simms

Kharissa Simms is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Scout at Amgen with 6+ years of experience in DEIB, restorative justices, and Diversity recruiting. Kharissa is known for her expertise and research in cross-cultural competence and diversity awareness in the workplace and racial microaggression prevention and education. Throughout her career, Kharissa has accomplished landing full time and consulting roles across big technology companies, University relations, Non-profit sectors, and Biotechnology, which has helped to establish Kharissa as a respected leader in DEIB space. Kharissa is passionate about developing and managing programs and initiatives utilized to foster and create equitable and safe spaces for underrepresented groups. In addition to her work in DEIB, Kharissa is a signed fashion model, lover of all things chocolate, registered yoga instructor, and enjoys traveling the world and seeing all the beauty of nature. Ms. Simms holds a Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Sonoma State University and looks forward to continuing her education in the field of Psychology and Sociology.