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.
North Carolina A&T GlobalMindED Leader Shares Insights to a Successful Freshman Year and Professional Life Launch: Meet Carsten Grandy-Richardson
We are pleased to introduce and to share a personal reflection on the GlobalMindED Leadership Program at North Carolina A&T. Meet Carsten Grandy-Richardson, a driven young entrepreneur in the business school as he shares some of his personal story, goals, and how he has grown with the support of a mentor in his life. 

Tell us about yourself. What events have led you to where you are today? 

A series of life events have led me to where I am. I would say it began with the death of my father at age 3. Me and my family ended up moving from Japan to North Carolina. We lived in Jacksonville, NC for several years then ending up moving to Raleigh. All I knew growing up was basketball and a love for clothes and shoes. I was supposed to be playing basketball in college, but due to covid and a couple of family deaths during my senior season I decided I no longer wanted to play basketball and wanted to go to NC A&T. I tried track because I wanted to leave high school with a state championship. I ended up getting hurt the first week of practice and having to sit out the majority of the season, but I did end up winning the triple jump state championship on a bad leg. 

Fast forward a little bit and I decided to start my brand Grandyworldwide L.L.C. in July right before I headed to school. I enjoyed my freshman year and made some pretty big strides with my brand and expanded myself creatively. I finished with a 3.53 cumulative GPA last year and a 4.0 GPA with a Chancellor’s List appearance in my spring semester and summer school. During the summer I was able to land an independent contracting job and did that for a little over a month. I was also able to go to the Amazon HBCU Beyond The Yard Conference in Washington D.C. and gained valuable knowledge and connections in the professional world with the possibilities of several different internships and job offers down the line. Recently, I joined Project Destined as a commercial real estate intern during this fall semester. So right now I am balancing a new drop for Grandyworldwide, my sophomore year, Project Destined internship, and getting Artboys Company off the ground. All of this has only been possible due to God’s favor on my life.

What was your experience like freshman year participating in the North Carolina A&T GlobalMindED Leadership Program?

My experience with the GlobalMindED Leadership Program my freshman year was solid. I had done most of the curriculum work during the summer before I stepped foot on my university's campus. It was not hard work but indeed valuable information that helped me navigate college my first year.

What did you learn from working with your GlobalMindED business mentor during your freshman year?

I learned a lot from working with my GlobalMindED business mentor my freshman year - Kwesi Edwards from Amazon Web Services. We developed a strong bond fast and were able to talk about everything ranging from school, business, and what else is going on in our lives. He gave me great advice on some things to do to advance myself professionally and just gave basic life tips as well. He was definitely a blessing to have.

How did the program and the experience enhance your confidence and your sense of your own professional development? 

The program helped open my eyes to all of the different opportunities out there. I did not know of many opportunities that were available to us prior to me being a participant in the program. 

Based on your GlobalMindED Leadership experience freshmen year, what are your internship and experience goals from now until you graduate?

My goals with my current internship is to figure out what sector of commercial real estate I would like to get into so that I can firmly establish myself in that field and focus. For the rest of my college experience I would definitely like to engage in more internships and opportunities that would get me in the door to the many things I want to do in this life.
Join us for an all-star line-up of talent at the GlobalMindED/Georgia Tech Office of Minority Education (OMED) Resolve to Solve Series November 4th in Atlanta with leaders from business, higher education and media November 4th!

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 internships.

 
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.
  • Breakfast, lunch, and reception are included in the $295 registration fee. Students attend for $195.

Sign up here or through the QR code below. Complete program below
Student Delegates Attending with Faculty Will Go to Industry Marketplace Reception after Killer Mike's Closing Session!

Student delegates representing their colleges are invited to an Industry Reception with college faculty. Register in advance to attend this exceptional experience at the end of the day November 4.
Watch "No More Gates or Gatekeepers: STEM is for Everyone"
Dr. Susan Swayze, Founder & CEO, Diversity Think Tank with:
  • Dr. Arik King Founder, Future Kings
  • Dr. Echell Eady Vice President of Instruction and Accreditation, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Murfreesboro
  • Jacqueline Smalls Vice President, Social Impact Coalitions, Discovery Education
  • Zion McNeely Electrical Engineering student, Norfolk State University
Don't Miss "Higher Education of Tomorrow: Created by our Choices and Actions Today"
Dr. Ryan Ross Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity & Inclusion CO Community College System with:
  • Dr. Kristen Raney Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
  • Dr. Shawnda Navarro Floyd Provost, Dallas College
  • Dr. Helen Castellanos Brewer Vice President for Student Services, College of the Mainland
  • Edgar Soto Vice President, Pima Community College, Desert Vista Campus
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
Stay Connected