Empower Identity

College of Business alum Brevin Woodford graduated in 2018 with an undergraduate degree focused on marketing. He returned to campus in early 2021 not as a student, but as an employee for his alma mater. Brevin works in the Cultural and Equity Center as a member of the LGBT Center team. The Center, which opened in the fall of 2021, aims to provide a welcoming space and necessary resources to a diverse array of students.

In the year that Brevin has been here, he’s worked on multiple projects for the Center, including The Rustin Themed Housing Community, Welcome Week, and Cardinal OUTlook Day. He also contributes to the LGBT Center’s social media accounts.

Lisa Gunterman, Director of the LGBT Center and Brevin’s supervisor, says “We are beyond grateful to have Brevin onboard! His gifts, talents, skills, and student-centered approach make him an invaluable member of the LGBT Center team…Brevin is well-liked across campus and is dedicated to building a climate where all students feel welcome, included, and empowered to reach their full potential.”

We sat down with Brevin to learn more about his current role and what inspired his career.

What drew you to the College of Business for your undergraduate degree?

[First] I am from Louisville and I have always been a Cardinal fan! So as college approached, I was interested in going out of state, but I ultimately decided to stay in Louisville and still have a good college experience by staying on campus and getting involved.

[Second], the year I began at UofL was the first year they admitted students into the College of Business as first-year students, meaning I didn’t have to apply after taking x-number of [general education] credits. The admittance was based on certain criteria: high school GPA, ACT scores, etc. So knowing I didn’t have to wait to start taking some major classes right out of the gate was very appealing!

Why did you decide on a degree in marketing? How do you feel your classes prepared you for your career?

When it came to choosing a major, I knew I wanted to major in something within business, but I also wanted to do something that fit me…I felt like my energy and love of people would be fit within marketing more.

Did you have any prior experiences that influenced you in this decision?

I went to Male High School here in Louisville, and I was a part of the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) there. Through that, my interests peaked in business, but more specifically, the ability to draw people in and get them interested in something that you are passionate about. I felt that marketing could be a way to make a career out of that!

What is your current role with the University and what are your responsibilities?

I currently am the Program Coordinator, Sr. at the LGBT Center. In my position, I have three primary roles:

• I advise the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Social Justice Themed Community. I hold monthly meetings for my students and have 1:1 meetings to help with personal development, talk about things they have going on throughout campus, and more!
• I advise our student group for LGBTQ+ students of color and their allies. The group looks to support students and provide a safe and affirming space for students and where their identities intersect.
• [Lastly] I work to put on programs throughout the year for the campus community at large; share resources and give support to students, faculty, and staff; and any other things that the Center or campus partners may need at any given time.

Through all of these things, I am able to bring more students to our LGBT Center and hopefully make more students feel welcome [with] a sense of belonging on campus and in the Louisville community at large!

As a recent alum, what positive change do you hope to create for future students?

I hope to continue to create spaces for students of color and queer students to feel seen, heard, and appreciated so that they not only feel like they belong… they THRIVE!