Hometown: Columbia, Missouri (Home of the Mizzou Tigers)
Educational Background:
B.S. in Biochemistry
M.A. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Post-Master’s Certificate in Institutional Research
Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs
Luddy Role: Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
Fun Fact: In 2003, while working at Washington University in St. Louis, I challenged student leaders to find something to dedicate their lives to beyond their aspirations. The students turned the tables and asked me, “To what have you dedicated your life?” One of my passions is helping address the world’s largest HIV epidemic -- which is HIV in South Africa. Consequently, I have intentionally worn a South African Aids pin every weekday (with some omissions here or there) since 2003.
What is “LODI”?
Luddy Office of Diversity and Inclusion
How is LODI’s work unique, given that Luddy is a tech school?
The work often makes others feel uncomfortable because the work involves having courageous, candid, and challenging conversations centered around raising awareness and advocating for change of a historically homogenous and exclusive industry. Unlike other areas within the School, there is a great need for awareness about the relationship between diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion and the field of computing and technology. Therefore, it is a feat to attract others to the work and get them to want to engage with the office.
What is something that LODI does that makes you proud?
Provide an intentional space via purposeful programming for diverse and inclusive Luddy stakeholders to feel welcomed, invited, included, and belonging as well as engage. Affords opportunities for students to develop as equitable leaders and human beings.
How can all Luddy students support the work of LODI?
First and foremost, attend LODI events. 2. Self-reflection as it relates to their comfort level regarding topics of diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion (DEBI). 3. Increased awareness about topics related to DEBI. 4. Be intentional about fostering DEBI in their daily interactions.
What’s the best way for Luddy students get in touch with you?
Email and/or attend a LODI event.
Totally off-topic fun question: if money were no object, where would you spend a 6-month vacation, and what would you do?
After volunteering to assist with the healthcare disparities, I would go to the Singita Boulders Lodge in Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa and relax sipping Rooibos (tea) while game-viewing elephants (my favorite animal), giraffes, zebras, impalas, and wildebeests on a private deck.