SAN DIEGO – In its continued journey of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the San Diego State athletic department is celebrating the launch of its Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan which accompanies the creation of the Leadership, Equity and Accountability for Diversity in Sports (LEADS) athletics program and committee.
In Fall of 2019, the Director of Athletics established the Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Committee, a task force to create a department-specific diversity plan and mission statement. Through training, university expectations and many thoughtful conversations, the task force developed a strong guide for our future.
"The SDSU Athletics' family environment has been a staple for many years. As the task force spent time in educational settings, conducted surveys and met in focus groups, we found that there was a desire to celebrate diversity of thought," said Executive Associate Athletic Director, Jenny Bramer. "We valued each other as colleagues and now wanted to have intentional conversations about diversity."
To achieve sustained growth and success, the LEADS committee features a new composition of leaders tasked with implementing the plan and ensuring accountability over the goals. "Thank you to Jenny Bramer, the task force and now the LEADS committee for their thoughtful advancement of SDSU Athletics," said San Diego State Director of Athletics, John David Wicker.
Mission Statement
SDSU Athletics is committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender equity while championing the value they bring to our success. We strive to become one of the most diverse and inclusive athletic departments in the country by celebrating each other and our diverse backgrounds. We seek to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and career opportunities for staff.
In support of this mission, the SDSU Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Committee – composed of student-athletes, coaches, staff, and administrators – engages, develops, and supports sustainable strategic activities as we progress toward fostering an environment that appeals to individuals from varied backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs. We welcome diversity of thought because we know that it dynamically enriches our collective productivity and creativity.
Each person's perspective is unique, and when all of us come together in the genuine spirit of learning and growing, our distinct views produce a stronger SDSU Athletics Department.
Together, we are the Aztec Family.
SDSU Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan
Goal No. 1: Representation – By 2023, create employment recruiting and hiring practices that support an inclusive and diverse representation.
Plan: Review job descriptions for inclusive language, advertise on job sites that target underrepresented populations. All committee members trained in implicit bias and an Inclusion Advocate as a resource to each committee.
Goal No. 2: Climate – By 2022, increase settings for Diversity and Inclusion conversations and opportunities for engagement.
Plan: Assign time for staff and student-athletes to engage with Diversity and Inclusion committee.
Goal No. 3: Climate – By Fall of 2024, foster an environment that appeals more to individuals from varied backgrounds, abilities and beliefs by both celebrating and embracing the current diversity and elements found within the mission statement and exploring new and innovative ways to grow.
Plan: Have easier access to training and education resources and represent diversity and inclusion on media platforms.
Goal No. 4: Success – By 2025, increase the diversity of those who hold leadership positions.
Plan: Provide professional development and cross training to existing staff and create hiring protocols that seek out under-represented qualified applicants.
LEADS Committee Members:
Kiana Adams – Academic Coordinating Assistant
Jenny Bramer – Executive Associate Athletic Director
Kara Barkdoll – Operations Assistant, Volleyball
Julia Camillucci – Graduate Assistant & Former SDSU Student-Athlete, Rowing
Hunkie Cooper – Assistant Coach, Football
Hailey Devlin – Academic Advisor
Lesley Fong – Associate Athletic Director of Operations, Special Events & Projects
Todd Greenbaum – Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing, Sales & Fulfillment
Gladie Jaffe – Chief of Staff and Assistant to Director of Athletics
Danielle Kelly – Coordinator of Student-Athlete Development
Justin Landry – Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
Kelli Magargal – Academic Coordinator
Frank Harris – Professor: Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education
Ruben Pena – Director of Operations, Football
Louis Schenk – Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations
Hannah Taylor – Former Track and Field Student-Athlete
Kylee White – Head Coach, Lacrosse
Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Task Force Members:
Jenny Bramer – Executive Associate Athletic Director
Tre Brown – Student-Athlete, Baseball
Shelia Burrell – Head Coach, Cross Country/Track & Field
Olivia Grice – Academic Advisor
Kelli Magargal – Academic Coordinator
Sam Peraza – Former Associate Head Coach, Baseball
Jon Silver – Assistant Athletic Director/Director of Operations, Women's Basketball
Queenie Soriano – Associate Athletic Trainer
Hannah Taylor – Former Student-Athlete, Track and Field
Allison Tenenbaum – Administrative Services Coordinator
Tariq Thompson – Student-Athlete, Football