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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Partner Spotlight: National Events with Blind Institute of Technology
GlobalMindED has worked with the Blind Institute of Technology for seven of our ten years of leading events. Through that time, the founder of BIT, Mike Hess has been tireless in training and employing visually impaired citizens who historically have had an 80%+ unemployment rate. In addition, BIT is the first official apprenticeship program in the country for the blind and visually impaired.
This September, Mike Hess will be giving a keynote at the Salesforce global conference, Dreamforce. Mike is the winner of our 2019 GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award and we could not be more proud of his success, those of his team, and his many capable, and now employed, visually impaired leaders.
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The Power of BIT by Stephanie Penn
As someone who has been deeply embedded in the IT sector for over a decade and a half, I experienced an unexpected and profound shift in my life trajectory when I lost my vision. This personal blow felt like the end of my professional journey.
In the initial phase, my focus was on adapting to life with legal blindness. I sought help from Federal, state, and local agencies, all of which suggested applying for SSDI, Federal Disability benefits. However, the application process was far from easy, and the support from state and local agencies left much to be desired. Services were slow, basic IT training was provided, and assistive technology was only accessible post-employment, creating a gaping hole in the system. Despite being overqualified for the available opportunities, I was at an impasse without the necessary assistive technology and its associated training.
During this challenging period, I faced homelessness and was reliant on the kindness of a friend for shelter. The search for resources continued, seemingly in vain. After nearly a year, I received SSDI benefits, allowing me to find a home in public housing. Despite the less-than-ideal safety conditions, I continued my quest for resources, fueled by my resolve to revive my career.
The turning point came after more than two years of relentless effort when a local agency introduced me to BIT. This marked a significant shift in my circumstances. BIT reinstated my hope and belief in my capabilities. They assured me that I still had valuable skills and could continue my work with some reasonable accommodations.
With BIT's unwavering support, I secured a position at Ball Corporation. While most of my experience was in healthcare, they provided an opportunity that I eagerly embraced. Thanks to BIT's support, my six-month contract with Ball Corporation was a success. Although budgetary restrictions prevented the extension or conversion of my contract, a colleague referred me to my current employer, EXL, where I work as a Senior Business Analyst.
My gratitude towards BIT is immeasurable, and I owe much of my success to their unwavering support, determination, and vision. From being homeless to earning a six-figure salary, I owe this incredible turnaround to our partnership. They helped me overcome barriers and boosted my confidence, enabling me to achieve goals I had thought were unattainable. As I continue to grow professionally, I pledge to be a proud ambassador for BIT. I hope my success brings them as much pride as they have given me.
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Celebrating Digital Accessibility Exam Success!
If you're looking for competent, knowledgeable accessibility analysts, we've got you covered!
Did you know we have a 100% certification rate from our first ever Digital Accessibility Analyst course? Everyone who's taken the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) exam so far has passed with flying colors, earning their certifications!
Congratulations are in order for Sarah Russell, Dean Martineau, Ian Guedry, Aaron Linson, Sean Canavan, David Bartling, and RJ Holliday for their incredible hard work and determination. The existing knowledge, with help from our certification prep course, resulted in these achievements.
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BIT at Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association
Earlier this month, Mike Hess spoke at the opening session of the 2023 CMLA convention, where he discussed the power of the brain and the importance of diversity and inclusion in business.
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Fundraising Gala Information
Salesforce proudly presents the Blind Institute of Technology’s Dining In The Dark Fundraising Gala on Saturday, October 14 at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Blind Institute of Technology is excited to bring its Dining In The Dark Annual Fundraiser to Philadelphia to help significantly reduce the severe unemployment and underemployment rates of people with disabilities on both a local and national level. Please join us at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco to learn more about The Greatest Equalizer and for a night of fun!
Corporate Sponsorships
Why partner? Join other corporate partners and sponsors to make a positive impact on current and future professionals who have a visual impairment or other disability by assisting them in gaining the skills they need for a meaningful, prosperous career.
Please contact Natalie to secure your sponsorship, make payments, and give guest information. She can be reached at natalie@blindit.org or 303-995-1006
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See this 1-minute GlobalMindED 2023 at a glance video:
Read What Speakers and Attendees said about the GlobalMindED 2023 annual conference:
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If you are a leader at a district, college, company, non-profit, or foundation supporting GlobalMindED’s Tenth Anniversary event in Denver on June 17 (pre-conference, Inclusive Leader Awards dinner) 18-19 (conference) 2024, you are eligible to attend our Fall special event at the United Nations:
Transforming Financial Boundaries in Education, the Environment, and the Economy
Thursday, October 12th
United Nations DDR
New York City
Write Celeste Gardner to reserve your space: Celestegardner@globalminded.org
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PBS12 Denver filmed and live-streamed the GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Awards on June 7th as well as our main stage plenaries and presentations on June 8th. You can find them all individually on the GlobalMindED YouTube channel.
Here are links to the 2023 GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award Winners' introductions and acceptance remarks:
Miriam Calderon, Chief Policy Officer, ZERO TO THREE: Inclusive Leader - Early Childhood Education
Dr. David Miyashiro, Superintendent, Cajon Valley Union School District, Inclusive Leader - K-12 Education
Carrie Billy, CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium: Inclusive Leader - Higher Education
Afua Bruce, Founder & Principal, ANB Advisory Group: Inclusive Leader - Government
Dr. Elena Rios, President & CEO, National Hispanic Medical Association: Inclusive Leader - Health & Wellness
Hassan Salem, Head of Commercial Banking, US Bank: Inclusive Leader - Banking & Finance
Greg Robinson, James Webb Space Telescope Project Director NASA (ret): Inclusive Leader - Space & Aerospace
Mary Nichols, Professor, UCLA Institute of the Environment, Inclusive Leader - Energy & Sustainability
Michael Campbell, General Manager, Education Division, Intel: Inclusive Leader - Technology
Diego Mariscal, CEO & Chief Disabled Person, 2Gether-International: Inclusive Leader - Entrepreneurship
Mario Carrera, President & CEO, CLLARO: Inclusive Leader - Media & Arts
Nasruddin Rupani, Chairman, Ibn Sina Foundation: Inclusive Leader - Foundations & Funders
Rosanna Durruthy, VP, Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, LinkedIn: Inclusive Leader -Global Impact
Kimberly Bryant, Founder & CEO, Black Innovation Lab; Black Girls Code: Inclusive Leader - Non-Profit
Click below to see Insights from GlobalMindED Leaders:
View the Main-stage Presentations:
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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).
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Thank you to all of the Sponsors, Speakers, Students, and Attendees at GlobalMindED 2023
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