Hon. Berdetta Hodge

Berdetta Hodge has been a resident of the city of Tempe for over 40 years. She was raised in
Tempe and graduated from Tempe public schools. From a young age, Berdetta sought to become
a transformative leader in our city. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. She
has been a lifelong contributor to community well-being through public service and a passion for
community-building.
In 2022, Berdetta made history when she became the first African American female elected to
the Tempe City Council. Six years prior, in 2016, Berdetta made Tempe history, becoming the
first African American woman elected to public office in the City of Tempe by being elected to
the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board. Throughout her tenure, Berdetta brings
experience managing one of Arizona’s highest performing school districts. She has had the
privilege of serving as both the President and Vice President of the governing board. In her role,
she has stood as a champion for the needs of students, educators, staff, and working families.
During her tenure on the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board, Berdetta has
developed skills critical to public service. She takes pride in her ability to bring people together
and to set goals and strategies for community success.
Berdetta is no stranger to operating community institutions responsible to tens of thousands of
Tempe residents. She has received accolades for her responsiveness and proactive approach on
community relations. She also knows what it takes to work with the local business community to
ensure that it also has a role making Tempe the best place to work, learn, and thrive in Arizona.
Berdetta enjoys strong working relationships with fellow municipal leaders, as well as county,
state, and federal elected officials.
Berdetta takes a great deal of pride in her two sons, Jevin and Jazin, who are both graduates of
Tempe schools and lauded community leaders. In her free time, Berdetta volunteers with student
groups in Tempe, such as the Compadre High School Teenage Pregnancy Program (TAPP),
where she serves as a mentor and assists with community engagement efforts.
Berdetta is a proud graduate of Arizona State University, where she received her bachelor’s
degree in business administration from the W.P. Carey School of Business.
Memberships, Boards, and Commissions
• Workforce Readiness and Livable Communities, Co-Chair, Tempe City Council Committee
• Tempe Union High School District Governing Board Member
• Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Domestic Violence Council
• Arizona School Board Association Black Caucus Board Member
• Vice President of the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center
• East Valley NAACP Leadership Team
• Save Our Schools Arizona Board Member and Advisor
• National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials
• Larry Thomas Youth Development Foundation Board Member
• Tempe Family YMCA Board Member
• Tempe Audit Committee

Community Service
• Tempe Woman’s Club
• Kiwanis Club of Tempe, Member
• Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona
• Keep Tempe Beautiful