Addie Shrodes

Addie Shrodes (They/She), PhD, joined the Office of Equity in November 2022. Dr. Shrodes is a scholar-practitioner of social justice learning and organizational change. They have a background in equity-centered research, education, and strategic planning in government, higher education, and philanthropy sectors. Dr. Shrodes also draws on five years of undergraduate teaching experience focused on social change and mobilize intersectional queer, trans, feminist, and critical disability frameworks. She holds a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences (School of Education and Social Policy) and a graduate certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Northwestern University, and a M.A. and B.A. in English from the University of California—Los Angeles and the University of Michigan, respectively.

In the Office of Equity, Dr. Shrodes oversees several portfolios. First, she serves as a thought and action partner for State agencies to create, implement, and report on Illinois Toward Equity Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Action Plans. As part of this work, they lead agency programming to convene and connect stakeholders for cross-agency learning and capacity building. Dr. Shrodes focuses, in particular, on best practices and guidance for strategic plan implementation at scale. Second, Dr. Shrodes leads the Office’s portfolio of statewide training and education. She works closely with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Department of Innovation & Technology, and stakeholders within the Governor’s Office to launch and administer three statewide trainings for a workforce of around 66,000. Third, Dr. Shrodes engages in targeted partnership on government equity projects with statewide impact. They serve as a consultant, content expert, and liaison for multiple inter-agency and statewide working groups and committees. Finally, Dr. Shrodes oversees internal operations and the intern program for the Office of Equity.