All In Together: Conversations on Black History Month & Advancing Inclusion

At Pagaya, advancing inclusion is a commitment to ensuring diverse voices are heard and opportunities are accessible to all. In the spirit of being ‘All In’ together, we hosted an event that included an inspiring speech from Robert McDonald and a conversation between Alice Opiyo and Edward Sample II. The conversation, is also included below and explores their career journeys, representation, and workplace inclusivity in honor of Black History Month.?

Getting to Know Each Other

Alice: Ed, let’s start with your background. Can you share a bit about your career journey and how your cultural identity has influenced your path?

Ed: Absolutely. I’m from Corpus Christi, Texas. Went to SMU for undergrad, then Tulane for law school. Thought I’d be the next Thurgood Marshall. My identity has always played a role—I’ve always wanted to be in spaces where I could advocate for people who look like me. It’s not just about representation—it’s about making sure there’s access to opportunities. That’s why I joined Pagaya. Seeing people on the career website who looked like me? That mattered.

Alice: I love that! I grew up in Texas too—Fort Worth, then Houston. In high school, I joined DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), a business club, where a teacher-turned-financial advisor inspired my passion for financial literacy.?

That led me to study finance, shaping my career in sales and trading, equity research, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and now Treasury Credit. I joined Pagaya to continue driving financial inclusivity in a meaningful way.

What’s a hobby or passion outside of work that brings you joy?

Ed: My nine-year-old daughter keeps me busy—dance recitals, Taylor Swift, the whole girl dad life. I also love sports, reading, and music. I used to travel a lot, especially to Brazil.

Alice: That’s awesome - Brazil is on my bucket list. I have a personal goal to visit 50 countries by the time I’m 50. I’m really into reading too. I also love staying active—right now, I’m on a soccer team, and I just started bouldering at my new gym.?

The Impact of Black Professionals in the Industry

Alice: Pagaya’s mission is about expanding financial access. How does that align with your professional journey?

Ed: It’s personal. I wouldn’t be here without financial resources—loans, scholarships, people who had my back. Pagaya is helping create those opportunities for others, and that resonates deeply with me.

Alice, if you could grab coffee with any historical Black figure, who would it be?

Alice: Nina Simone. She stayed true to herself while advocating for change. Her music was both an escape and a statement. I especially love her song “Mississippi Goddamn”, it makes such a powerful statement.?

Ed: Great choice. She never compromised who she was. That’s something we should all aspire to. Ed: Great choice. She never compromised who she was. That’s something we should all aspire to. Growing up in the South, one song that still gives me chills is Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit".

Workplace Inclusivity & Progress

Alice: From your perspective, what positive changes have you seen in workplace inclusivity?

Ed: More awareness of unconscious bias, more diverse hiring, leadership making inclusion a real priority. But hiring isn’t enough—it’s about making people feel valued once they’re here. Representation without inclusion is just numbers on a page.

Alice: I completely agree. One small but meaningful thing companies can do is regularly ask, “Who’s missing from the table?” People of color often notice when they’re the only one in a room, but how often do others notice when we’re not there? It’s about being intentional—bringing people in, supporting them, and creating a space where they want to stay and bring others in, too.

Advocacy & Representation

Alice: What’s a key lesson you’ve learned about advocating for yourself and others in the workplace?

Ed: Align your goals with the company’s goals. That doesn’t mean losing yourself—it means making sure what you’re pushing for helps move things forward for everyone. If you’re isolated and not connected to the organization’s goals or values, making meaningful change is harder.

Alice, at Pagaya, we believe in teamwork and being ‘all in’ together. How has working alongside colleagues helped you grow and succeed?

Alice: It’s been huge. I’ve been given real responsibility early on, and that’s not always the case in finance. The culture here is unique in that people take the time to teach and trust junior employees. When I speak up, even in rooms with senior leadership, I feel like my ideas are actually considered.

Ed: Same here. At other places, titles dictated everything. Here, if you have a good idea, people listen. That’s rare, and it makes a difference.

Looking Forward

Alice: Ed, what’s something you’re working on that excites you?

Ed: Strengthening advocacy and representation. We’ve made progress, but there’s more to do. And you?

Alice: Right now, I’m really focused on expanding my technical skills—Python, SQL, financial modeling. I love being able to take on complex projects and automate processes. And beyond that, I’m also excited about how my team at Pagaya is working on deploying capital in new ways that align with our mission.

Alice: Finally, what advice would you give young Black professionals looking to succeed in your field?

Ed: Stay grounded, be patient, and never give up. Advocate for yourself, but also align your vision with where the company is headed. That’s how you make an impact.