Samia Thompson is Redefining the Future of Workplace Culture in The Bahamas

(NASSAU, BAHAMAS) – Samia Thompson’s path to becoming an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist is rooted in a desire to make workplaces not only more productive, but more humane. As a recipient of the Bahamas Excellence & Resilience Scholarship awarded by The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation, she has completed her graduate studies in Psychology at Adler University in Vancouver, Canada. With a deep commitment to both social justice and professional development, Samia is prepared to return home with a vision to reshape workplace culture across The Bahamas.

Samia’s journey began at the University of The Bahamas, where she graduated with the highest honours in Psychology. It was during this time that she began exploring how organisational systems impact employee wellbeing, an interest that would soon grow into a professional calling.

 “I’ve always been passionate about understanding people and improving how they experience work,” she explains. “This field allows me to bridge the gap between business needs and human needs, creating workplaces where people can thrive and feel seen.”

Her interest in Industrial-Organizational Psychology was sharpened by personal experiences. During the pandemic, Samia witnessed the emotional toll that job loss had on her own family. That moment clarified her purpose. “I saw an immediate need for action plans: support for those laid off, counselling services, and improved work culture,” she reflects.

Today, her research focuses on employee engagement, mental wellness, and the evolving expectations of Gen Z and Millennial workers. Samia is especially interested in how companies can better support and retain young professionals by embracing values like flexibility, purpose, and inclusion. “A paycheck isn’t enough anymore,” she says. “People want to work in places that align with who they are.”

Samia’s academic pursuits are complemented by real-world experience. She’s worked alongside respected Bahamian psychologists, gaining insight into local workforce challenges and how psychological services can help address them. With her training in human resources and organisational development, she plans to help Bahamian companies create inclusive, efficient, and engaging work environments, especially for youth and early-career professionals.

“Samia represents exactly what our scholarship programmes are designed to achieve: empowering bright, community-minded Bahamians to use their education to create meaningful change at home,” says Kendra Moss, Director of Programmes at Lyford Cay Foundations.

When she returns home, Samia wants to see a shift in how Bahamian businesses operate. “I want to help organisations move away from outdated models and start embracing people-first strategies,” she says. “By investing in employee wellbeing, we can increase job satisfaction and national productivity.”

Grounded in her faith, Samia stays focused on her greater purpose. “Even when the path isn’t clear, I trust that every step is preparing me to serve others.”

With her strong academic foundation, lived experience, and passion for people, Samia Thompson is not just preparing for a career, she’s preparing to lead a movement toward healthier, happier workplaces in The Bahamas. And through the support of Lyford Cay Foundations, that vision is well on its way to becoming reality.