In addition to speaking, Solomon Wilkins is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Amyris, a biotech company headquartered in Emeryville California. In this role, Solomon will drive the strategy and implementation of
Amyris’ inclusion and diversity roadmap, including cross-functional programs and initiatives.
BIO
Solomon grew up in Oakland, California, and at nine years old, his father was killed in a how
did you go from growing up in Oakland, California, where your father was killed in a drive
by shooting when you were nine? Then in high school you were labeled with ADHD. Then it
took you seven years to earn your undergraduate degree, but now you have a Master's degree
in Leadership, you played professional basketball, you're an author, you design, develop and
implement leadership and diversity programs for the biggest company in the history of the
world (Amazon), and you travel the world speaking in the high school, college and corporate
market. How in the heck were you able to overcome all of those obstacles to live the life
you're living?" Solomon's response is always, “I was determined and persistence and I
had a strong belief in my ability to change the outcome of my life based on my actions!”
Solomon is committed to developing a generation of inclusive minded leaders who have the
knowledge, skill and will to positively impact their families and their communities!
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Simply stated, Solomon Wilkins has the knowledge, skills and experience to help you transform your campus. He is an engaging personality and one of the most highly-sought-after speakers in the country! For the last 10 years, he’s worked in Corporate America in a variety of capacities including leadership development and diversity and inclusion. Solomon’s unique college and corporate experience is an advantage most speakers just don’t have. In addition to his work experience, Solomon
has interviewed hundreds of successful business leaders on topics including business strategy, leadership and diversity and inclusion.
Drawing from his own personal leadership struggles in the beginning of his career, the absence of his biological father
and the tragic murder of his “real father,” Solomon skillfully weaves his compelling life story into the fabric of our
daily lives. Solomon’s life is a great example of the fact that you don’t have to come from a great background to live a
great life.
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Most college students graduate between four to five years, but it took Solomon seven. Like most students, Solomon
didn’t have any direction and focus. This ultimately landed him on academic probation, where he was offered two options. One, stay in college and give up his last year of basketball eligibility, or two, take a year off from school and get reevaluated after one year. This reality changed Solomon’s perspective and he decided to give up his basketball eligibility and focus on his academics. Solomon is a firm believer in the fact that, “education changes situations,” and because of that he went back to school and obtained his Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with plans to pursue his Ph. D in Education in the fall, 2018. Once again, his story is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to come from a great background to live a great life.
Solomon’s passion and high-energy motivates audiences to step out of their limiting beliefs and into their greatness. His commitment to personal-and-professional development has helped students prepare for and land jobs immediately after college and he’s successfully helped corporate leaders interview and promote into senior-level leadership positions!
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Educators agree “We recently had a Leadership Summit and there were over 500 students in attendance. At the end of the program, Solomon received a standing ovation, which has never happened in my 8+ years in this role. Our students absolutely love him, and because of that, I now have a list of students asking for Solomon to come back next year. His L.E.E.A.D. program has literally transformed our campus for the better!”