This month the ADL Mountain States spotlight shines on our new regional coordinator, Chloe Hodson. Originally from Arizona, Chloe earned her undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver. Chloe is currently a Ph.D. candidate at DU, conducting research on Curriculum Theories with a focus on humanizing and liberating pedagogies. Chloe worked in the field of education for the past 10 years, with 7 of those years spent teaching high school English in Abu Dhabi. Outside of her academic pursuits, Chloe enjoys traveling, reading, and volunteering in her local community. We sat down with Chloe to talk about her transition to working on the Mountain States regional team.

ADL: What led you to want to work at ADL? Is there something in particular about ADL’s work or mission that speaks to you?

Chloe Hodson: I am excited about the opportunity to work at ADL because I am deeply passionate about positively impacting the world. I have been following ADL’s work in education and have often cited it in my writing. ADL’s commitment to promoting diversity, combating discrimination, and fostering inclusive communities aligns with my values and beliefs. I am so impressed by ADL’s long-standing reputation as a leader in civil rights and social justice, and it is truly an honor to be part of a team that shares my passion for education and social justice.

 

ADL: Who are some of the people that have served as role models for you, both in the area of social justice and generally?

CH: My parents have always been a source of inspiration for me. They have consistently encouraged me to follow my passions and stay true to my beliefs. They have instilled in me the values of fairness, equality, and compassion and have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Their support and guidance have helped me grow both personally and professionally.

In addition to my parents, I draw inspiration from the work of prominent figures such as bell hooks and Audre Lorde. Both were trailblazing individuals whose words helped me better understand myself and the fight for social justice. bell hooks has been a powerful voice in advocating for intersectional feminism and challenging systems of oppression. Her work helped me better understand social justice and how better to embody love in all aspects of my life.

 

ADL: What is your advice for people committed to positive change?

CH: My advice for others committed to positive change is to continuously educate yourself about the issues you are passionate about. Stay informed about social justice topics, learn from diverse perspectives, and critically examine societal power dynamics and inequalities. Knowledge is a powerful tool for creating meaningful change.