Michael Hodges

Hello, my name is Michael Hodges and I’m a new DEI Manager for Twin Cities Co-op Partners. I started here in February of 2021. I am a graduate of St. Olaf College with a Bachelors’s degree in History. I also have a Masters in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s University with my thesis being about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as the achievement gaps Minnesota faces. I started my Doctorate in Educational Leadership but decided to take a break and pursue a career change. These opportunities and knowledge led me on a journey to work in higher education. I was the Assistant Director of Intercultural and International Life for a Liberal Arts school here in Minnesota. Our focus in the office was working with the administration to help retain a diverse population of students through programming, mentorship, campus-wide education on diversity, and providing opportunities to be successful. In my role, I was able to partner with multiple offices and students on campus to continue to try and educate, communicate, and have a positive impact on campus climate. Topics included Race, Gender, Sexuality, Religion, Wellness, Disability (both physical and cognitive), nationality, and various other identities. Overall I want to help create positive change in the my work, my community, my relationships, and those I encounter, and even those who I don’t.