Dr. Kilolo Brodie, a CSU Stanislaus Alumna, is an Advocate for Diversity and Awareness on Campus and in the Community
Kilolo Brodie, an associate professor in the Master of Social Work program, was recently appointed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. to serve on Area Board VI of the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD). The SCDD works to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive the services and support they need.
Brodie is also a member of the National Down Syndrome Congress and currently serves on the CSU Stanislaus Affirmative Action and Diversity Committee.
“We are very proud of Dr. Brodie’s appointment to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities,” said Dennis Shimek, Vice President for Human Resources and Faculty Affairs at CSU Stanislaus. “She has also helped to lead our efforts to create a campus statement on diversity as a member of the Affirmative Action and Diversity Committee and has been instrumental in the planning and scheduling of several major diversity events on campus and in the community.”
An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Brodie said that she was inspired to take action and make a difference while attending the sorority’s 100th anniversary delegate days at the California State Capitol.
“One of the speakers from the Governor’s Office described how very few women are involved in government and legislative activities and that the first step for them to become more involved is to simply apply for those positions,” Brodie said. “It is difficult to involve more women unless they step forward as applicants first.”
The very next day, Brodie said she went online to complete the application for her field of interest, which led to her appointment.
“I am very excited to travel throughout the region and learn more about what is going on in all counties that I represent.”
Brodie, whose daughter has Down syndrome, said that she is thrilled to continue spreading knowledge and awareness for individuals who have different abilities. She has worked internationally with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines and participated in numerous events abroad. Recently, she spearheaded an effort on campus to involve faculty, staff and students in the Lots of Socks campaign for World Down Syndrome Day.
“What I loved the most about the Lots of Socks event was the collaboration and participation by so many different groups on campus to support a common cause,” she said. “Collaboration is at the core of what I do and who I am.”
Brodie also said that the Affirmative Action and Diversity Committee plans to establish a calendar for the upcoming year that will likely include a number of awareness events to engage the campus and the community.
“When groups participate and collaborate we can create a network that is more closely knit and supportive of the diversity of our campus, our region and beyond.”