2020 GlobalMindED
The Future of Work is Diverse, Inclusive, Just and Equitable
GlobalMindED closes the equity gap by creating a capable, diverse talent pipeline through connections to role models, mentors, internships for low-income students, returning adults, First Gen to college and inclusive leaders who teach them, work with them and hire them.
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Oscar Sweeten-Lopez is a dear friend of GlobalMindED, inclusive leader and role model. After many years of helping Dell Scholars, most of whom are First Gen as he is, complete college and launch in their careers, Oscar started Grad Snap College Success Tools as Founder and President. In addition, Oscar serves as Board Chair of National Association of Scholarship Providers which is an organization of many funders who support college students with financing and resources similar to the Dell Scholars. Oscar is also a husband and father and has an active, full personal life in addition to his enterprising spirit and service leadership. We are honored to feature his story as we recognize luminaries of Hispanic Heritage who light our lives today and every day.
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You are a very respected, successful, first-generation Hispanic American, what is your personal story and how has your heritage impacted your journey and success?
What's in a name? For me, my last name Sweeten-Lopez represents the two worlds that shaped me. I was born in Mexico and was very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel and live between a small rural town in Oregon and a huge metropolis in Mexico. This was literally living in two different worlds but two worlds that have made me the person I am today.
I was lucky enough to travel between Mexico and the United States with my aunt and uncle from a very young age. My uncle was a Texan that married into our family. It was on these summer trips that I had the chance to travel all over the United States before returning to Mexico for the school year. Due to some family issues, the decision was made that I would finish school in the United States and was legally adopted by my aunt and uncle.
I noticed something after I moved to the United States. When returning to Mexico I was no longer just cousin Oscar, I was "el primo gringo," the American cousin. In the United States, I was Oscar the nice young Mexican kid living in Oregon. I experienced a loss, a confusion of identify that happens to a lot of immigrants. There's a saying in Spanish, "Ni de aqui, ni de alla" - neither from here or from there. This weighted heavily on me through my early professional career. It took some time to come to terms with who I am and being comfortable in my own shoes.
It's hard for kids to feel that they don't belong and this loss of identity is common for many first generation Americans. It finally dawned on me that my background is a strength.
It is because of these lived experiences that I bring a unique perspective to my work. More and more we see that our world is truly global.
What do ‘underserved’ communities look like today in the United States, and what do they need most from foundations and funders to close the equity gap?
The events of this year have shown how connected we are to one another and the cause and effect of those connections. As we marshalled our resources to support our scholarship students during the early COVID-19 lockdown stage, we saw first-hand how the pandemic shed light on the sharp contrast between low-income students and their peers. Students struggled to get home because they couldn't afford the airfare. They didn't have reliable internet connection. They had to keep working and expose themselves to potential infection because they had to help their families survive.
As funders, we were able to quickly refocus our resources to support students and grantees with challenges caused by the pandemic. This response, and ongoing current events, highlight the systemic issues that have led to such inequality for so many communities. Funders have the opportunity to rethink their current approach and explore opportunities where their investments don't just address the effects of inequality but look to change and shape the systems that cause them.
You discuss the obstacles leading to low graduation rates among less resourced families through your leadership with GradSnapp and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. As low-income and first-generation students attempt to continue their education and careers during Covid-19, what advice do you have to these students who already face low graduation and employment prospects?
During times of uncertainty there is no substitute for a strong support system. The more people you can count on the better. Not all support is the same. It may be that best friend that doesn’t have an answer but is there with a kind word and a sense of encouragement. It may be that professor that sees your potential and pushes you forward. It may be your scholarship advisor that you can have ongoing text conversations with when times are challenging. Seek out and cultivate as many of these connections as you can.
What would you say to a younger version of yourself about the importance of diversity in work environments, the United States, and the world so that our students might learn from your life wisdom?
Diversity in our workplaces is critical or else the diversity that exists in our world is overlooked and decisions are made that may not reflect your best interests. Products, services, legislation, healthcare, research, so many aspects of our lives are shaped by those that make the decisions. For young students of color it can be intimidating to see yourself as one of those decision makers. You may second guess yourself. You may feel like an imposter that doesn't belong.
But belong you do. The more you work in these environments the more you see how people are people. The more you see how you can be successful until eventually, you not only see yourself there but know that you need to help bring others like you into these roles. Never doubt yourself and when you experience success, never forget about those that helped you get there, and those that deserve to come after you.
You also are Board Chair of National Scholarship Providers Organization. What can funders like these providers know or pivot to at a time like this when low-income students are struggling on so many for levels?
It's been great to see so many scholarship providers across the country recognize that money alone doesn't guarantee students will graduate from college. In addition to a scholarship award, many programs are now providing wrap-around support for their scholars. The first step is bringing on staff that can advise and support students and then building programming around that. Many programs are now offering access to service such as, supplemental tutoring, emergency funds, and career services.
Finally, what is your inclusive guidance to colleagues both in the Latino community and overall on how they can unify our country and create opportunity for all during these challenging times?
My inclusive guidance is just that….be inclusive. That sounds easy enough but in practice this can be more challenging than we anticipated. Look around your organization and find areas where you can make an impact. Is there a younger colleague you can help mentor? Does your organization have an diversity committee you can join? If none of these initiatives exist, here's your perfect opportunity to step-up and make it happen!
Bio:
As the College Success Tools leader, Oscar oversees the foundation’s comprehensive college success products and services. Prior to joining the foundation in 2005, Oscar was director of student retention and workforce development for the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement. Other past experience includes work with the Oregon Human Development Corporation and with AmeriCorps. Oscar has a bachelor’s in political science and Spanish from the University of Oregon and is a leadership fellow at the Institute of Nonprofit Management at Portland State University.
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Click to view the most recent webinars:
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Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Diverse College Presidents Talk About First 6 Weeks of School: Dr. Ryan Ross; Assoc. V. Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity, & Inclusion, Colorado Community College System moderates. Panelists include Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston President, Norfolk State University, Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite President, Bethune-Cookman University, Dr. Annette Parker President, South Central College, Minnesota State, Dr. Miles Davis President, Linfield University, and Dr. Michael Torrence President, Motlow State College
Hispanic Language Heritage Language Assets for Career Preparedness: Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) and GlobalMindED, moderated by Lorena Orozco McElwain; OELA, Panelists include: Carol Carter; GlobalMindED, Felícita Solá-Carter; Excellence in Government Program, Oscar Fraire; University of Colorado Denver student, Patty Lopez; Intel Corporation, and Adrian Rosado; Cultural Clarity Experience.
Hispanic Language Heritage: Retention of Heritage Culture and Language(s) US Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) and GlobalMindED, and panelists celegrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Lorena Orozco and Supreet Anand of OELA, Cristina Alfaro; San Diego State University, Luis Benitez; VF Corporation, Clotilde Dedecker; Circle of Women, Joe Garcia; Ohkay OwinghTribe, and Dr.Joel Comez; Center for Applied Logistics
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: A Conversation on Race, Isms, Justice, Moving Forward and the Role White People Need to Play: Ryan Ross; Associate Vice Chancellor: Student Affairs, Equity, and Inclusion, Colorado Community College System leads the conversation with Clifton Taulbert; President and CEO, Freemount Corporation and Roots Java Coffee, Javon Brame; Dean of Students, Arapahoe Community College, Chelsea Williams; Founder & CEO, College Code LLC, and Representative Leslie Herod; Legislator, Colorado General Assembly
Equity in Engineering Programs: Priming the STEM Pipeline During and After COVID-19: Dr. Dora Renaud, Sr. Director of Academic Programs & Professional Development, SHPE: Leading Hispanics in STEM, Melanie Suarez, Student, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Mechanical Engineering, Nicolas Valencia Diaz, Student, Florida International University, Biomedical Engineering, Sophia Plata, PhD Student, University of Southern California, Environmental Engineering
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To view the recent Rural sessions, please see our YouTube channel:
Native American Business Opportunities, Tribal Economic Development and Post-secondary Education/Workforce Participation: J.C. Whorton, Jr.; Consultant, Lecturer, Author and Adjunct Faculty, University of Colorado Boulder, Don Kelin; President, Fox Professional Services, Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce, Matt Rantanen; Director of Technology, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association, Tribal Digital Village Network Initiative, and Melvin Monette; CEO, Indigenous Education, Inc.
Fortifying Native Students, Faculty and Communities During and After COVID-19: Ron Lessard (Mohawk); Acting Exec. Director, White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education leads panel including Diana Cournoyer; Oglala Sioux Tribe, Executive Director, National Indian Education Association, Michael Chamberlain; Special Assistant for Rural Outreach, US Department of Education, Carrie L. Billy; President & CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and features a performance by Ava Rose Johnson; Student and Musician, Native American Music Awards Winner
Rural Innovations in Education During COVID-19: Anne Trujillo; Anchor 7News, Denver moderates the panel which includes Tina Goar; Executive Director, San Luis Valley BOCES, Dr. Robert Mitchell; Asst. Professor of Leadership, Research, and Foundations, UCCS, Luis Murillo; Principal, Skoglund Middle School, and Samantha Yocam; Superintendent and Principal, Kim School District
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THE FLYOVER NATION
Energy's Role in a Troubled Heartland
By J.C. Whorton
A unique and timely discussion of the challenging issues facing the country’s troubled Heartland.
Since the beginning of westward expansion into the Heartland’s vast regions, natural resource development has played a historic role in shaping its communities. Today, domestic oil and gas development offers one of the strongest prospects for the Heartland’s present and future prosperity as well as the nation’s re-emergence as a dominant player in the global energy economy.
The U.S. is now the world’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas, two circumstances that are universally disrupting international geopolitical order. The earth has a finite supply of natural resources and a rapidly growing and over consuming population.
As America positions itself for a very uncertain and constantly evolving global marketplace, will the Heartland become America’s “great connector” or “great divide”?
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J.C. Whorton is a senior level energy and financial professional with over forty years of essential experience. Having a ranching and Native American heritage, Mr. Whorton is a strong advocate for rural education and economic development initiatives.
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Links to read about Inclusive Leaders, many of whom are African American and people of color:
Curated sessions from GlobalMindED 2020 YouTube channel:
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From the Center for Positive Organizations:
From the Economist:
From Forbes:
From Harvard Business Review:
From the World Academy of Art & Science and UN; Geneva Global Leadership in the 21st Century econference:
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Listen here for an interview with Pam Newkirk, GlobalMindED speaker and author of Diversity Inc.: The Failed Promise of a Billion- Dollar Business.
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Responding to Crisis
The 30-Day Justice Plan
As the reset of America is underway, understanding the role you can play in a system of change can be difficult, but we encourage you to listen, learn and be active. To start, instead of, say, a juice cleanse, feed your brain and move yourself with this practical plan over the next month. Here's our guide of what to read, watch, listen to and do in order to be part of the solution.
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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GlobalMindED and the SDG Impact Fund are delighted to announce GlobalMindED's Donor Advised Fund. 2020 is the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations and the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Women's Declaration and Action Platform. Many from around the world are thinking of 2020 as the gateway to our most vital decade for delivering equity, the Sustainable Development Goals, and a world where all can thrive. Our key time for these outcomes is 2020-2030.
GlobalMindED DAF and the SDG Impact Fund are a powerful combined force for good as the 2019 year comes to a close and we reflect on the gratitude and the commitments we make to the causes we care most about. The DAF offers immense power and flexibility for giving prior to the year's end as you plant seeds of generous intention for 2020 and the decade ahead.
When you contribute to GlobalMindED, you support First Gen students. We have served more than 400 students by connecting them to role models, mentors, internships and jobs. Your generous support will allow us to take our work 10x and reach these talented students at scale who lack the resources and support we provide. Your support also helps teachers who can't afford the conference fees, faculty at colleges which are under resourced and students who persist at those universities despite food insecurity and/or housing insecurity.
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Meet GlobalMindED Founder, Carol Carter as interviewed by Tim Moore on his podcast Success Made to Last: From Success to Significance
Listen to Part 1 of Carol's interview
Listen to Part 2 of Carol's interview
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Recent GlobalMindED Newsletter Profiles:
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Since 2006 when the flagship TGR Learning Lab opened its doors in Anaheim, CA, TGR Foundation has had a lot to celebrate, including its most recent milestone of one million students impacted by TGR EDU: Explore, alone.
Developed in partnership with Discovery Education, TGR EDU: Explore is a free digital resource library that offers interactive web experiences, lesson plans, training videos and tools for educators, students and families to explore new disciplines and gain skills for a modern and expanding workforce.
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As you start the New Year, are you looking for ways to re-engineer your classroom culture? Check out Designing the Future: How Engineering Builds Creative Critical Thinking in the Classroom. The associated website has lots of activities, projects, and resources you can implement immediately. Our fall workshops using the book as a roadmap for change have been highly successful. Start designing the future today - try using the customized Study Guide for a book study in your PLC. Or contact ProjectEngin or Solution Tree to learn how you can bring professional development based on Ann's book to your school, district, or conference.
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