Samia Walker
Director of Programs, SouthCoast Community Foundation
Samia Walker holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bridgewater State College. She previously worked as a Domestic Violence Advocate with the New Bedford Police Department, where she grew a passion for helping people overcome adversity and better their lives.
She is 2018 graduate of the Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Business Accelerator program, where she was awarded the honorable Christina Hamilton Award. Samia continued her work with EforAll post-graduation, assuming the role of Program Manager for the South Coast chapter in 2018. She later served as Executive Director from 2021 to 2025.
Samia currently serves as the Director of Programs for the SouthCoast Community Foundation, leading the organization's grantmaking strategy, program design, and nonprofit partnerships.
Samia also holds a Woman of Distinction Award from the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts. Through her extensive community engagement, Samia has built strong networking relationships that accentuate her passion for inclusive communities. She is active in several local nonprofit organizations that focus on personal and professional development, such as The Communal Space, Sacred Birthing Village, Gnome Surf, Elements Learning Collaborative and Buy Black New Bedford.
Samia joined the BankFive board in 2023.