The Hillside community mourns the passing of Karene Brodie, a passionate advocate for young people and a leader of the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection program in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Ms. Brodie died Friday, April 21, following a brief illness.
Ms. Brodie joined Hillside in 2010 as Regional Director of HWSC in Prince George’s County, and subsequently led that program’s growth in her region to become an influential community partner that helped more than 500 students every year realize their goals and advance their potential. Her passion for Hillside’s mission led her to cultivate high-value strategic partnerships with regional foundations; the Prince George’s County Public Schools and district leaders; representatives in County government; partners among local businesses and higher education; and fellow non-profits as well as other peer organizations.
She was an active participant in the Hillside Women of Color Council, and a champion for building a better internal and external community.
“Hillside has lost a family member,” said Maria Cristalli, Hillside President & CEO. “Karene Brodie was dedicated to helping young people in need, and to making her community a better place to live, work and succeed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends, and all those she leaves behind.”
Roderick Green, HWSC Executive Director, called Ms. Brodie “a friend, colleague and collaborator who was committed deeply to Hillside, HWSC and those we serve. I know we’ll all miss her terribly.”
A community-wide event is being planned to celebrate her life.