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.
Queer Hispanic Leader and Political Science Major at CU Denver Finds Community at GlobalMindED: Meet Juan Gonzalez for a Student's Perspective on the GlobalMindED Conference
Juan participated at GlobalMindED in the First Gen Leadership Program and as a panelist, shown above on the plenary: "Students Have Their Say: What Education, Business, and Policy Leaders Need to Know". You can read his comments here. Juan is also part of GlolbalMindED's mentoring program, and is paired with Dr. Russ Hodges from the Graduate Program in Developmental Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas State University, whose husband is of Mexican descent.
What is your personal narrative? What challenges and major life moments have led you to where you are?  

My name is Juan Gonzalez and I am a first-generation Queer-Hispanic Student studying Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies. I have lived in Colorado for most of my life. I also lived in Mexico when I was in elementary school; here I was able to learn Spanish and Mexican culture. Growing up, I have experienced the struggles of holding intersectional identities. Facing racism, discrimination and homophobia has contributed to disturbances in my mental and physical health. I owe my success in academia to my family, friends and therapists; and not so “strangers” I have met along the way. Without hearing and interacting with the stories of people, I do not think I would be where I am right now.

Now, I am in my third year of my undergraduate career. At CU Denver I have been able to qualify for Dean’s list every semester thus far, been a part of multiple leadership experiences and have served as Student Body President. 

What dreams and goals do you have for your future?  

In terms of short term goals, I hope to continue to strive for academic excellence and be able to continue to grow in my emotional and intellectual intelligence. In the long term, I hope that the path I am taking leads to a good law school and a career that will help me achieve financial stability. One day I hope to give back to those who have helped me, perhaps help my parents retire. 

How has being a part of the GlobalMindED community impacted you? How do you hope to continue growing and learning from this inclusive community?  

Being part of this GlobalMindED community has helped me feel like I belong. Seeing other students of color with passions like mine has inspired me. I hope to someday sit down and continue the conversation with other members, learning from their stories. Who knows, perhaps someday they will learn something from mine as well. 

The GlobalMindED conference was an experience that was quite remarkable. As a student, I was able to see various forms of leadership styles that are all across the board. I was able to learn from others and I hope that they were able to learn something from me; in terms of how we deal with stress and challenges and how to move forward from there. It was great being able to make connections with people who are part of fields that you one day might be a part of.

What advice do you have for other students as they transition into their academic and professional lives?

  • Don't love just one thing in life. At any moment that one thing could be taken away and you are left with nothing. Love multiple things and by doing so, enjoy the multiple things life has to offer.
  • Never be ashamed of trying.
  • Don't Leave Your Scarf at Your Significant Other's Sister's House
  • Choose what is actively choosing you

You can access photos from the conference at these links:
Honoring the 2022 Inclusive Leader Award Winners. Please see their stories:
GlobalMindED | 303-327-5688 | contact@globalminded.org | www.globalminded.org
Stay Connected