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.
Dr. Echevarria with her family and siblings
Dr. Echevarria and her students
Representation Matters - This Latina Leads With Courage: Meet Dr. Denine Echevarria, Encouraging Diverse Learners and Cultures in Her Classroom

Today's story highlights the power equity and education can have in the lives of others. Dr. Denine Echevarria is a beautiful example of resilience, determination, and passion. As an English Language Development (ELD) Instructor, she empowers her students to embrace their full identity and heritage. Dr. Denine Echevarria is a Latina leading with courage and ensuring that Latinas are represented in positions of power and leadership. May you find her story and words encouraging to push onward during your trials and bring others along with you on your journey to the top:

As a young child, I became aware of the importance of an education. We moved from New York to a trailer park in Federal Heights, Colorado. My dad went to night school at Aurora Community College and I remember him telling us that as soon as he finished school, we'd get a 'real' house. Several years later, his hard work paid off and we moved from the trailer into a house. The experience gave me an understanding of what can be accomplished through education and solidified my desire to attend college myself.

As I progressed through school, I became extremely frustrated with my inability to learn Spanish. I started questioning my parents, demanding to know why they didn't teach me. My parents both went to Catholic School in New York and during the 1960s, policies restricted dual-language learning and went as far as punishing students for speaking with an accent with a slap to the hand with a ruler. Unfortunately, many students in this generation lost their language and subsequently did not pass it down to their children. In high school, my Spanish teacher questioned my Puerto Rican heritage due to my sad attempts at speaking Spanish. It was at this point that I decided to pursue something in the field of Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. I knew that I didn't want other children to lose their language (and also their heritage) simply because they were afraid to speak their native language. After graduating from Northglenn High School, I pursued a B.A. and M.A. at CU Denver.  

After graduation, I moved directly into teaching ELD and worked for 16 years with Linguistically Diverse students. As our school was transitioning leadership, one of my students began asking questions about our school principal. She asked me, "Why are all the principals boys?" Her question brought the reality of representation to light. When students see themselves as leaders, they pursue leadership. My 2nd grade student did not see herself as a potential school leader, simply because she was a girl. Soon afterwards, I began my Doctorate Program and pursued Educational Equity through my coursework.  

During my Doctorate Program, my personal life hit rock bottom. My husband of 16 years had an affair and when I confronted him, he boxed up everything I owned and kicked me out. When I called the police for help, they asked if he owned firearms and then encouraged me to leave the home until my ex could "cool down." I was not represented fairly by law enforcement and I became homeless, living with my parents and with friends until I could get in front of a judge. My parents stood by my side the entire time. When I wanted to quit my Doctorate Program, they offered to help watch the kids, buy my groceries, make our meals, etc. Anything my parents could do during this time, they did. It was very important to them that I finished my program. Four months later, I was privileged to have representation in the courtroom when Judge Trujillo oversaw my case. She ordered my ex-husband out of the marital home and the kids and I were able to return to some normalcy.    

These life experiences had me looking at the importance of representation. My 2nd grade student who believed only men could be principals. The white, male law enforcement officer who did not protect my children or me. The Mexican-American judge who understood injustice and acted to correct it. 

I became a strong advocate for single moms and after finishing my Doctorate program, I pushed to support representation by funding the STRIVE  educational scholarship to other single moms. In my journey to become a champion for single moms, I learned that Latinx populations have a 41% rate of divorce, compared to White populations, which have a 24% divorce rate. This impacts children being raised by Latinx single mothers who are twice as likely to live in poverty as children raised by White single mothers. I knew that the pathway to financial freedom was education.

Representation matters. As a Latina, it is important for me to lift other Latinas up as I walk this journey. I want young Latinas to see themselves as principals, law enforcement, judges, medical professionals, business owners and more! When Latinas lead with courage, they set an example for others. Representation matters. 
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
Student Delegates Attending with Faculty Will Go to Industry 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.

For details on the Resolve to Solve event, see details, schedule, and registration below.
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 internships.

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 create 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.
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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