The Future of Work is Diverse, Inclusive, Just and Equitable

GlobalMindED is an Inclusive Success NetworkTM dedicated to creating a capable diverse talent pipeline, closing the equity gap for women and people of color, and connecting underrepresented/ underserved students to role models, mentors, internships, and jobs.
Women's History Month is celebrated annually in March to honor and recognize women's contributions, achievements, and struggles. GlobalMindED is proud to highlight the voices and work of influential women.

Dr. Natalie Michelle Welch is an Assistant Professor of Marketing in the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University, where she also teaches in the Sport and Entertainment MBA Program. We met her through The Ph.D. Project, one of GlobalMindED’s partners and sponsors, which is dedicated to diversifying the faculty and leaders on college campuses.  
From Cherokee Roots to Executive Leadership: Dr. Natalie Welch's Journey in Sports, Education, and Mentorship

What is your personal/professional story?

I grew up in Cherokee, North Carolina among my small tribal community on the Qualla Boundary. I would have never made it to where I am without my family and community support. I was always passionate about sports and I discovered that I could work in the business of sport during my undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee. My graduate program at the University of Central Florida taught me the importance of leadership, ethics, and diversity in the business of sports and helped me create an amazing community of like-minded servant leaders that I still work with to this day. I’ve always been driven by the power of sport to cause social and cultural change.

I spent 5 years in marketing and advertising, including at Nike, before realizing my calling as a mentor and professor in academia. I love teaching because I get to help young people realize their passions. I also recently became the Executive Director of Rise Above, whose mission is to provide Native youth with the tools needed for success through sports clinics and mentorship, using sport as a modality to empower, educate, and create resiliency. Through education, I have been empowered, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve others. 
 
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today? 

Throughout my life I’ve always had the unwavering support of my family and community, and they are key to my success.

Leaving home to attend college was a big first step for me. Arguably the most impactful decision was attending the specialized graduate program (MBA in Master of Sports Business Management) at the University of Central Florida.
 
Where does your passion to serve come from? 

My ancestors. Knowing what they went through to survive gives me the passion to help our next generations thrive. 
 
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?

Providing a community of like-minded people, and opportunities to build meaningful connections.

Dr. Natalie Michelle Welch has a Ph.D. in Sports Management from the University of Tennessee. Her research focuses on the positives of sport in Native communities and the use of alternative methods of sharing research such as documentary film and podcasting. Previously, Natalie worked at ESPN Wide World of Sports, Nike N7, and the global creative company, Wieden+Kennedy. She is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. 
Helping a young camper with his survey
Speaking to campers from her home community in Cherokee, NC
After running the New York City marathon in 2023 and fundraising for the nonprofit Bras for Girls.
Join us June 17-19 for 250+ Speakers on 90+ Topics From Education to Health to STEAM to Policy at GlobaMindED’s10th Anniversary

Powerful Voices Across Generations: Past, Present, Future
Denver June 17-19

 
The 10th annual conference in Denver will gather national thought leaders across sectors including education, business, health, policy, tech, and more. If you have never been to a GlobalMindED event, you will be in for a treat, as this year will be a reunion for many of our graduates, speakers, and Inclusive Leader Award winners who have been honored throughout the years. 

The Inclusive Leader Awards, June 17, honors national leaders across 15 sectors. These generous leaders will be meeting faculty and students as they share their insights in breakout sessions during the conference. See the invitation below.

GlobalMindED is a unique experience where college and company presidents, government leaders and foundations and funders are “at the table” with students and graduates. Our attendees recognize that the voice and participation of our emerging, young leaders is the solution to climate, political divides and persistent inequities in education, employment and economic mobility. We are all the solution if we are all “at the table” as co-creaters of a future that works for all people from all backgrounds.

Would you like to give to support our student programs? You can scan the QR code below or go to our website to support our year-round programs. GlobalMindED is a 501(c)(3).
Thank you to all of the Sponsors, Speakers, Students, and Attendees at GlobalMindED 2023

GlobalMindED | 303-327-5688 | contact@globalminded.org | www.globalminded.org
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