Who We Are
Mission Statement
The Office of University Diversity and Inclusion at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo strives to create an inclusive and welcoming campus community that promotes equity, diversity, and justice. Our mission is to cultivate an environment that values and respects differences, empowers individuals to thrive, and celebrates diversity in all its forms.
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion is to provide leadership, resources, and support to enhance the campus climate and foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to advancing diversity and inclusion through education, advocacy, and engagement to promote a culture of respect, equity, and social justice. We aim to cultivate a community where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
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.
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
Email: disom@calpoly.edu
Dr. Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti
Interim Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
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
Email: bmakekau@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. Blanca Martinez Navarro
Associate Dean of Students, Director of Campus Climate and Engagement Strategies
Education
Ph.D., Urban Planning, University of California Los Angeles
MSW, Social Enterprise Administration, Columbia University & B.A., Political Science, University of California LA
Contact info
Office: Bdg1-Rm 209
Email: bmarti90@calpoly.edu
Dr. Sarah McDonald
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
Office: Bdg1-Rm 209
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
Office: Bdg1-Rm 209
Email: kbennion@calpoly.edu
