Dodi Stilkey graduated with her Master's of Science in Economics from the University of Idaho. She is currently completing a doctoral program in Higher Education Leadership at Idaho State University. Her research interests are in self-efficacy, resilience, and emotional intelligence with an emphasis on understanding how power structures affect equity, individuals, and systems.
Dodi began her career by serving as the Economic Development Planner for the Nez Perce Tribe. One of her most memorable projects was serving on the small team that worked to produce one of the Tribe's first formal commercial partnerships which brought to us Kaya, the American Girl doll that represents early Nez Perce Culture. She then moved into higher education. At Eastern Washington University she provided operational support to a new medical therapies program and taught economics as an adjunct professor. From EWU, she joined Washington State University as the Associate State Director for the Washington Small Business Development Centers network. One notable while there were presentations at former Governor Christine Gregoire's annual economic development conference on rural clusters and economic development strategies.
Most recently before joining 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, Dodi was at a local community college, mentoring student leaders and directing campus engagement and SUB operations. She provided leadership training to students and selected campus groups, managed the Student Union, and served as the lead department in an institutional assessment initiative. While there, Dodi also taught economics, worked as a Writing Consultant, and served on a wide variety of campus committees. She received the Rising Star Award in 2005, the Woman of the Year Award in 2021, and the Excellence in Diversity Award in 2022.
Dodi brings a strength-focused, holistic approach to her work. She is a certified Clifton Strengths Coach and holds additional certifications in Mental Health First Aid and several other key support areas for mental health and risk management. She believes in working with individual and team strengths, transparency, and creating solid partnerships and supportive work environments where everyone can thrive.
Outside of the work environment, Dodi spends quality time with her family, furry friends, and in the outdoors. Her favorite pastimes include hiking, traveling, and chainsawing. A key life motto for Dodi is “leave things better than you found them.”