Shirley Bittlingmeier, Executive Director of IT Client Services at the UC Office of the President, won Gold in the DEI Leadership category at the 2024 UC Tech Awards. This honor recognizes her decade-long dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within UCOP IT and the broader University of California community, inspiring cultural change, mentoring underrepresented staff, and championing systemic initiatives that uplift communities across UC.
Summary
Shirley Bittlingmeier is a part of the IT leadership team at UCOP. Shirley’s tireless dedication spanning over a decade to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at UC merits acknowledgment and celebration. It is my honor to wholeheartedly nominate her for the DEI Leadership Award.
Narrative
Shirley Bittlingmeier has been an integral member of the UCOP IT leadership team for more than a decade. Throughout her distinguished career at UC, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to promoting fairness and inclusion for underrepresented communities. In addition to her substantial responsibilities within her role, she consistently goes above and beyond to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within both UCOP IT and the broader UC community. It is my honor to wholeheartedly nominate her for the DEI Leadership Award.
Since the early stages of her career at UCOP, Shirley has been dedicated to furthering the interests of underrepresented communities within UC. She has played a leading role in driving diversity initiatives within the UCOP workplace for an extensive period. Shirley’s unwavering commitment is exemplified by her active participation in numerous workgroups over the years, showcasing her admirable perseverance in advancing these causes.
Causes she has represented over the years:
Women in IT
Shirley has long been a passionate champion for women in IT at UC, serving as both a role model and a successful senior leader who actively encourages other women in the field. Throughout the years, she has dedicated herself to mentoring numerous women in IT under her guidance, providing invaluable support and guidance to help them thrive in their careers.
Managing implicit bias at UC
Shirley has taken up the cause to influence and change the culture of implicit bias at UC. She has increased awareness of implicit bias and reduced its impact at the University. As a result, UC rolled out the mandatory training — “Managing implicit bias at UC” for all staff.
Represents ITS on UCOP’s Diversity Council
Actively supporting underrepresented communities. Shirley, in her capacity as a senior leader of the ITS engagement committee at UCOP, has been actively championing and coordinating numerous events aimed at supporting underrepresented communities. She has earned the trust of underrepresented communities at UCOP. She is a great listener as a leader; thus, everyone can safely confide in her and bring their concerns.
Black community
Organize and support the events during the Black History Month events, presented by the Black Staff and Faculty Organization (BSFO).
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community
As a senior leader, Shirley has established an inclusive platform for the AAPI community within UC and UCOP, facilitating monthly meetings and assisting in the organization of cultural events.
Shirley took the initiative to orchestrate the inaugural “AAPI Staff Symposium,” held in person at UCOP, with the aim of spotlighting and supporting the underrepresented Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community throughout UC and California. The symposium drew approximately 100 attendees from various campuses within the UC System as well as other universities across the state. UC President Drake addressed the event himself, to show his support for the underrepresented community.
How she meets selection criteria (complexity, impact, mission alignment):
Shirley’s efforts have consistently upheld UC’s DEI mission throughout her tenure at UC. She has always demonstrated respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment where everyone feels equally valued, whether they are working alongside her or engaging with her in any capacity.
Shirley spearheaded one of the first diversity surveys at UCOP with Molly Greek (CIO, UCOP). The survey had an amazing response rate. Shirley presented results to the community and helped improve morale by way of follow-up and corrective future actions.
She represents ITS on UCOP’s Diversity Council and has contributed enormously to its accomplishments to-date, including listening to community concerns, being a voice for positive change, celebrating cultural events from across the world, and more.
As a leader of the ITS Engagement Committee, Shirley brings fantastic ideas, positivity, and an inclusive atmosphere, both in planning and execution. She adds a touch of “home” to the office by celebrating birthdays and special occasions and decorating the office with seasonal themes, fostering a warm and welcoming environment.
She serves as a formal and informal mentor to many, inspiring dedication to EDI through her support of ERGs and repeating simple yet impactful messages, such as encouraging colleagues to “Join an ERG.”
Shirley has tirelessly advocated to advance DEI at UC, taking on the complex challenge of shifting norms over a decade ago. She has always been an active voice and advocate for change while upholding the mission of UC.
How her success is measured:
Shirley holds a prominent position as a senior leader, widely esteemed within UC’s diverse community, especially among underrepresented groups. Her dedication shines through in her inclusive hiring practices and mentorship initiatives, cultivating one of the most diverse teams at UC. Her staff’s deep respect and admiration demonstrate their genuine satisfaction and enthusiasm in working under her guidance. She is a role model for leaders and staff alike.
Project Team
- Shirley Bittlingmeier — Executive Director, IT Client Services, UC Office of the President
Primary Contact
Sushant Prasad
Information Systems Analyst
UC Office of the President