Staff JEDI About Us
With our Stanford School of Medicine Human Resources Group Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (SoM HRG JEDI) Framework for Staff, we provide an overview of the long-term goals we seek to achieve.
This framework is continually evolving and updated based on ongoing progress and identified needs from the staff community. The five pillars of the framework are Diversity & Leadership, HR Policies & Procedures, Learning & Development, Engagement & Culture, and Community Engagement. You can review the framework above, along with our highlights, in this presentation.
For questions and more information, contact the JEDI team at somhrgjedi@stanford.edu.
Shaila Kotadia, PhD
Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
I provide guidance on building justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) into institutional systems and structures. My experience in higher education has focused on the integration of JEDI activities across all constituencies, from students/trainees to staff to faculty, whereas in my current position I focus primarily on staff. In my role, I am charged with implementing institution-wide JEDI strategic plans for staff. I also conduct education and facilitation around JEDI topics, lead ongoing institutional assessments, review HR policies and processes, build communication processes, and create relationships across silos in an effort to increase organizational effectiveness. Both personally and professionally, I use the principle of praxis, the constant cycle of reflection and action, to guide my JEDI efforts, including the creation of the School of Medicine Staff JEDI Collective, a group across the School that uses a grassroots approach to culture change. Prior to my arrival at Stanford, I led the STEM Equity and Inclusion Initiative at the University of California, Berkeley. In my scientific career, I received a PhD in Genetics and Development from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and completed a postdoc at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In my personal time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and young kiddos, dancing ballet and modern, reading, and (re)connecting with friends.
Matthew Griffith, PhD
Assistant Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Hello, I‘m Matt Griffith and I'm honored to serve as an inaugural Assistant Director for JEDI. Prior to Stanford, I have worked extensively in higher education institutions and social impact programs on a wide array of access, diversity, and equity issues. Perhaps, most notably, I served as the Manager for Strategic Diversity Initiatives at the University of California Office of the President. Moreover, as a scholar-practitioner, I have led and conducted various projects on diversity-related issues such as free speech and institutional leadership structures and policy. Born and raised in the city of Detroit, Michigan, I am a proud (and sometimes overzealous) graduate of Detroit Public Schools and the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. Furthermore, I recently completed my Ph.D. at UCLA in Higher Education and Organizational Behavior. Lastly, in my off-time, I enjoy terrible reality television, coffee, and laughter.
Miranda Stratton, PhD
Assistant Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
I am a cell biologist turned JEDI practitioner who is passionate about transforming cultures and creating communities where people can be their full selves. I am motivated to advance JEDI practices & policies while fostering meaningful relationships. My approach to JEDI is to practice empathy, build trust among partners, and use the scientific method with design thinking to create innovative solutions. Before joining HRG, I served as the Associate Director for Biosciences Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging and Director of the Stanford Summer Research Program (SSRP) – Amgen Scholars Program in the Biosciences Office of Graduate Education at Stanford School of Medicine. I identify as a former first-generation, low-income (FLI) student and multiethnic woman of color. I earned my PhD in Biology from Stanford University and my bachelor's degree from the University of San Diego. In my personal time, I enjoy making bread, practicing yoga, knitting, connecting with friends and family, listening to music or podcasts, and reading.
Chris White, M.Ed.
Organizational Effectiveness Coordinator
As a creator of authentic spaces, I believe community and belonging should be fostered with a wellness lens where anyone can show up as their true selves. I’m a student at heart who asks deep questions and leads with an open mind to gain a full perspective. Growth and development are passions of mine that remain in the forefront of all that I do. From K-12 to Higher Education, I bring nearly a decade of educational background from across the southwest. I’ve supported students and staff through mentorship, project management, policy change, teaching, media, and systematic organization. As an actions oriented problem solver, I love to collaborate and think outside the box over good music and even better food! I’m a proud Los Angeles native and first-generation college student holding a B.S. in Psychology from Grand Canyon University and a Master’s of Education with emphasis in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University. In my personal time, I enjoy cooking and baking, basketball and binge worthy tv, traveling and spending time with loved ones. I look forward to connecting!!