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.
Mountain Hut Trip for 21 Hispanic Newcomer Students - the Impact Adventure has on Awakening Our Curiosity


A couple weeks ago two teachers from Basalt High School led a group of 21 students into the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Something unique stood out about this particular group of students, and it wasn't just their love of bachata music playing while hiking in the woods. This group of students consisted of teens who are all new to the United States from Central and South America. Almost all these students have experienced significant trauma or challenges, giving them an aura of maturity that most teens don't develop until college. Their stories are woven with heartbreak, violence, grief, determination, resilience and hope.

This would by no means be your typical group of high schoolers going on an overnight trip. None of the students had ever gone on a hut trip, indeed most had never camped in their lives. Having only arrived in the U.S. anywhere from 1 to 8 months prior, these bold students accepted the challenge to step into nature for an overnight adventure.

Coordinating the logistics of leading over 20 people into the woods when the students lacked experience was quite a feat, but, things went smoothly and everyone was positive. Thursday morning the group departed for Tennessee Pass near Leadville, Colorado. Upon arrival, the students gathered their bags and things for a brief 1 mile hike to the 10th Mountain Division Huts. The local hut volunteer shared local tales with the high schoolers and helped carry some of the water, food, and supplies, a much needed resource as many of the students were outfitted in clothing and gear not quite typical of the outdoors.

The group split into their assigned cabins, girls in one, boys in the other. Mr. Rios and Ms. Hays feared the dreary, rainy weather would deter the students from the planned adventures. But the weather made a turn and as the sun emerged from the clouds, the class was off for a walk through the forest - students tromping along the trail, exploring flowers, animals, trees and rocks. The air was full of joyful chatter and Spanish music, interrupted by bouts of laughter.

That day, the woods were introduced to 21 diverse, curious students. The evening was quite memorable as the group gathered for a bonfire and s'mores - the classic marshmallow sandwich treat. As they were new to U.S. customs and culture, Ms. Hays took a moment to demonstrate one of many various techniques for roasting a marshmallow and creating a tasty treat. The students gathered to laugh and eat. Of course, a camping experience is not complete without scary stories. The students took turns sharing local folklore from their home countries, noting the commonalities in the spooky stories they grew up hearing.

As the evening drew to an end, the students shared their thanks to Mr. Rios and Ms. Hays and settled in. The girls nestled up near their log fire in the cabin and chatted. An avid outdoors-person, Ms. Hays was hopeful that this experience would ignite a passion to explore in her students. While reflecting on the trip, all of the girls exclaimed "no queremos salir!" - we don't want to leave. Soon Ms. Hays found herself having to explain why they could not stay for another week - it appears her wish had come true.

Throughout the two-day adventure the teachers noted the vast difference in behavior from some of their students. Students who typically engaged in challenging behaviors in classes were stepping into leadership roles and taking ownership of responsibilities. Two boys offered to prepare the dinner and breakfast for the large group, working efficiently with great teamwork. The group of students bonded over their slight discomforts and new discoveries.

Embarking on an overnight trip with such a large group was not easy, but upon reflection, both Mr. Rios and Ms. Hays were happy to have pushed the students to experience a new setting and to have provided the opportunity for students to learn because what was taken away was much more. This trip serves as a beautiful model illustrating how experiences can add to and impact learning. What happens when a student who chooses to disengage from or disrupt class steps into nature and assumes new responsibilities? How can educators reframe their own perspectives of students and bring out the curious learner that exists in us all? Perhaps the answer lies in experiences outside the classroom such as these.

Upon returning, the students have begun questioning what the next activity will be. Can they take a trip down the river in a raft? Go for a hike to a mountain peak? For a group of students new to the United States, their bold spirit will pave the way for many more adventures to come, and help them adjust and thrive in their new home. The question is whether Mr. Rios and Ms. Hays can keep up.
The Stars Shine Bright in Atlanta for Leaders, Faculty, Students - November 4th! Join GlobalMindED and Georgia Institute of Technology In-Person or Virtually

Join us for an all-star line-up of talent at the GlobalMindED/Georgia Tech Office of Minority Education (OMED) Resolve to Solve Series with leaders from business, higher education and media as we connect and collaborate with students to create their success now and in the future. You can attend live or livestream this event anywhere in the country through our partner, WABE, PBS affiliate in Atlanta. The rap sensation, Killer Mike will end the program followed by a networking career reception with companies for students to explore careers, bring their resumes and prospect for interships.

We can’t solve for students without their active involvement. Join us for this must-have collaboration as we flatten the Higher Education hierarchy, opening up access and equity to creat a capable, diverse talent pipeline. 
 
 
Attendees include students, educators, business leaders, policy makers, and foundations/funders.
  • Speakers include college presidents Dr. Glenda Glover (Tennessee State), Dr. David Thomas (Morehouse), Dr. Brian Blake (GA State), business and tech leaders, and global hip-hop sensation, Michael Render (aka Killer Mike), who will share his personal vision of Love & Respect, which is also the title of his new PBS talk show.
  • Following the program, there will be a networking reception in conjunction with Georgia Tech Career Services for students exploring career
  • Breakfast, lunch, and reception are included in the $295 registration fee. Students attend for $195.


Sign up here and through the QR code below.
STEM EQUITY LEADERS
Catalyzing Change in STEM Education
No More Gates or Gatekeepers: STEM is for Everyone

Thursday, October 20, 2022 1:00 PST, 2:00 MST, 3:00 CST, 4:00 EST
Led by Dr. Susan Swayze Founder & CEO, Diversity Think Tank with:
  • Dr. Arik King Founder Future Kings
  • Dr. Echell Eady Vice President of Instruction and Accreditation
  • Jacqueline Smalls Vice President, Social Impact Coalitions Discovery Education
  • Zion McNeely Electrical Engineering student Norfolk State University
Details and speaker bios below
In case you missed them, here are links to recent Equity Events in STEM, K-12, and Higher Education:
  • Watch "Barrier Breaking to Engineering and STEM for Diverse Students"
  • Watch "Safe from the Gate: Empowering Kids to Make Better Decisions Online"
  • Watch "What is Hispanic Heritage Month? And What Does it Mean for Equity, Justice, Opportunity, and Culture?"
Details and Links below
Barrier Breaking to Engineering and STEM for Diverse Students
Dr. Steve Efe Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering Morgan State University leads the discussion with guests:
Dr. Janne Hall Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Engineering Texas Southern University
Janelle Mason Graduate Student, Computer Science North Carolina A&T State University
Tiresius Johnson Student Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute
Kimera Peterson Civil Engineering student Morgan State University
Safe from the Gate Empowering Kids to Make Better Decisions Online
Erika Twani CEO & Co-Founder Learning One to One leads the discussion with guests:
Paul Castro Superintendent, A+UP Charter School
Dr. Liz Sweigart Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Safe Kids AI
Amr Yehia Operations Director, The Digital School
Kristie Adams Chief Learning Officer, Family Scholar House
What is Hispanic Heritage Month? And What Does it Mean for Equity, Justice, Opportunity, and Culture?
Dr. Ryan Ross; Student Affairs Equity and Inclusion for CCCS, CEO Urban Leadership Foundation of CO leads the discussion with:
Mariana Del Hierro; Executive Director Re:Vision
Crestina Martinez; Long Term Recovery & Major Initiatives Director Adams County Government
Rachel Garcia; CEO Colectiva 
Dr. Roberto Montoya; Chief Educational Equity Officer Colorado Department of Higher Education
SAVE the DATE 2023: June 7 Inclusive Leader Awards Dinner
First Gen Leadership Program
June 8, 9 GlobalMindED Conference
2023 Denver, Colorado

CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS OPEN
June 2022 Conference Summary in Photos and Videos
We had an inspiring conference in June after two years of virtual gatherings due to COVID. If you missed that, you can still be a part of the experience through the photos from the 2022 GlobalMindED conference, as well as seeing the complete program for connections and inspiration.



Video remarks:
Honoring the 2022 Inclusive Leader Award Winners. Please see their stories:
GlobalMindED | 303-327-5688 | contact@globalminded.org | www.globalminded.org
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