Who We Are
Mission
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion (OUDI) at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is grounded in a mission woven together by academic excellence, social responsibility, equity, and the pursuit of justice. The office provides leadership, resources, and support to enhance campus climate and foster an equitable and inclusive environment for every member of the Cal Poly community. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion in policy, practice, and in our purposeful efforts to cultivate a culture of belonging where each individual feels valued, supported, and empowered.
Vision
Our vision is to be a dynamic campus not defined by our challenges but driven by them. Our aim is to serve as catalysts propelling us toward excellence as a premier Polytechnic University, where diversity is invaluable, inclusion is championed, and equity is embedded into every facet of our institutional strength.
Excellence driven by diversity, with equity at its center.
Values
Kinship: Cultivating communities grounded in collective care
Intersectional Inclusion: Uplifting historically marginalized voices
Transformational Change: Facilitating Equity through informed action
Radical Hope: Empowered by revolutionary joy
DEI Internship
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion runs a internship for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in DEI projects. This project based internship allows for students to work in their specific areas of interest while supporting the OUDI office and its mission on campus.
DEI Enrichment Funding
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion (OUDI) is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion through education, advocacy, and engagement to promote a culture of respect, equity, and social justice. DEI enrichment funding is available to support on-campus events and programming that enhance the campus climate and foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
Faculty Development Programs
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion works with the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) on the Building Towards Equity Faculty Development Program. This program scaffolds DEI learning to develop faculty awareness, knowledge, and skills around issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching and learning.
Community Partners
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion works with various groups in the SLO community to support DEI efforts. We partner to bring diverse speakers to the area, host events, and foster relations between the University and the community.
Contact Information
Email: diversity@calpoly.edu
BEACoN Email: BEACoN@calpoly.edu
Telephone: (805) 756-2250
Location: Administration Building (Bldg 1), Room 209
OUDI Staff
Dr. Denise Isom
Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
Education
Ph.D., Anthropology of Education, Loyola University of Chicago
M.A., Education; B.A., African American and African Studies, University of California, Davis
Contact info
Office: Bdg1-Rm 209-C
Email: disom@calpoly.edu
Dr. Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti
Associate Vice President for DEI Academic initiatives
Education
Ph.D., M.S., Counseling Psychology, University of Kansas
B.A., Psychology; B.A., English, University of California, Davis
Contact info
Office: Bdg1-Rm 209
Email: jpedrott@calpoly.edu
Dr. Beya Makekau
Assistant Vice President for Strategic Planning & Networks
Education
Ed.D., Educational Leadership & Administration, Fresno State University
M.A., B.A., Ethnic Studies, San Francisco State University & University of Oregon
Contact info
Office: Bdg1-Rm 209-D
Email: bmakekau@calpoly.edu
Diana Ortiz Giron
Director of Programming, Communication, & DEI Education
Education
M.Div., Harvard University
B.A., History & Minor in Chicana/o Latina/o Studies - Pomona College
Contact info
Office: Bdg1-Rm 209-B
Phone: (805) 756-7242
Email: dortizgi@calpoly.edu
Megan Rivoire
Executive Administrative Assistant
Education
BFA., Art & Design, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Contact info
Office: Bdg1-Rm 209
Phone: (805) 756-2250
Email: mrivoire@calpoly.edu
OUDI Faculty & Staff Fellows
Dr. Sarah Macdonald
Assistant Director / Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Instruction
Education
Ph.D., Sociology, University of California Berkeley
M.A., B.A., Sociology,University of California Berkeley & Smith College
Contact info
Email: smacdo05@calpoly.edu
Dr. Kelly Bennion
Associate Professor,BEACoN Research Mentoring Program Faculty Fellow
Education
Ph.D., Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston College
MEd, Mind, Brain, and Education, Harvard University & B.S., Psychology & Spanish, Middlebury College
Contact info
Email: kbennion@calpoly.edu
Dr. Joni Roberts
Assistant Professor,Faculty Fellow, Black Initiatives
Education
Dr.P.H.Public Health with an emphasis in Health Education, Loma Linda University
M.A.T. Elementary Education, American University, 2009
B.A. Political Science, Washington Adventist University, 2005
Contact info
Email: jrober81@calpoly.edu