We’re so thrilled to welcome Dr. Sam Kline to Khan Academy as our Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
And thanks so much to Dr. Sam for taking a few minutes to introduce herself and share her journey in the interview below:
Welcome to Khan Academy, Sam! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have developed and led online and in-person communities and programs dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. I think, write, speak, sleep, and, dare I say, eat this work that is both personal and professional for well over a decade! I have intentionally taught Pre-K through graduate school. Also, I have worked as both an administrator and tenure-track professor in post-secondary educational institutions. I enjoy connecting with others through their stories and my stories of growth and resilience, as well as guiding individuals’ journeys in expanding their multicultural lenses.
Outside of work, I love continuing to learn from classes, reading, and various content sources. I love to laugh. Reflecting, writing, and walking outdoors, to list a few examples, replenish me. Every now and then, I take up inspired challenges that push my limits in new ways. For example, I have firewalked, broken an arrow with my neck, skydived, and rappelled cliffs.
What brought you to Khan Academy?
The mission! I am living proof of the power of educational access, support and opportunity. I am very grateful. Therefore, I want it and more for everyone. If I can help remove obstacles for others, then I want to contribute. I believe I can do it at Khan Academy. I get to use my knowledge, skills, and abilities to support an organization that is doing their part to solve a massive education problem – an access problem – a human issue – in this world.
What was it like to go through the interview process at Khan?
Each interview increased my excitement and curiosity. I wanted to have more discussions and get to know more team members. The questions had rigor for both candidate and interviewer to mutually assess fit and add. I appreciated the questions that were assessing my potential. Similarly, I perceived a sense of seeking to understand me as a person, my thinking, and how I approach this work. Also of note, I respected the depth of transparency and candor in every interview. The experience left a positive impression. After the final interview, I remember thinking something along the lines of, “Regardless of the outcome, I have tremendous respect for the leaders, the people, and the organization.” I felt joy and gratitude for my experience.
As you know, new team members at Khan Academy typically play Two Truths and a Lie with Sal Khan to help everyone get to know you. What did you share with the organization?
My three statements:
- I swam with dolphins in Cancun.
- I wing walked on a plane.
- I completed the Warrior Dash.
The lie was swimming with dolphins in Cancun. As for the other two statements, well, they fall under the category of my inspired challenges. By the way, I am having loads of fun in our org-wide meetings with this game!
What are you most excited about working on at Khan?
This role is new for the organization, and I am passionate about creation and innovation. As a result, I am thrilled to lead the growth of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Khan Academy in service to our mission!
If someone is considering applying for a job at Khan Academy, what advice would you give them?
Go for it. Allow your background, perspectives, experiences, personality, principles, values – as many aspects of YOU to come through from the application to the interview. Do not fall into the trap of trying to fit a preconceived mold for a role or organization. I have met colleagues here who did not think they stood a chance to be hired by Khan Academy. What you consider to be benign or unimportant might be the very quality that can enhance our organization.
Be transparent. Likewise, ask questions to ascertain alignment with organization and role. Last, please try to relax and enjoy the experience. I understand this action can be easier said than done. Because you might be chatting with your future colleagues, this conversation could be the first of many to come!
Want to work at Khan Academy?
Join Dr. Sam and over 200 passionate and creative Khan Academy staffers working to make a massive impact around the world.