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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.
Save the Date! GlobalMindED 2023 June 7-9 in Denver
Join College Delegations, First Gen/Diverse Students and Inclusive Leaders in Education, Business, Government and Foundations
Lunch curated by Daniella James, Crystal Wahpepah, and Sam Anglin
San Carlos Apache Tribe Member Serving Her Indigenous Community by Connecting Tribal Colleges and Universities: Meet Daniella James
Daniella James is a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. Her passion for serving her Indigenous community and others in the work she does is an inspiration to us all. With hopes to one day be the Chief Executive Officer of the James Beard Foundation, Daniella is dedicating her life to bringing joy and connection to those in the communities around her.

Tell us about yourself: What key moments defined you as a leader?

Dago’teh. Greetings.

I am called Daniella James. I am an enrolled member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. I am born to the Apache, Navajo, and Mexican people. I have been learning about the many types of leadership at San Carlos Apache College. I am thankful for this question.

As I review my thoughts, I quickly bolt to my childhood when I stood up for another youthful student who was getting verbally bullied. To me, this was a defining moment to assist others. Later, this new friend would assist me in life throughout my many years. Life is a full circle. Now as an adult, I am growing in my leadership style. I believe I am a leader for I have the professional business goal to assist in Native American land reparation and Indigenous Food Sovereignty. After the completion of that goal, my career goal is to be the Chief Executive Officer of the James Beard Foundation. I know this will take many years, but my dedicated heart is on this path.

What kind of community-driven projects have you spearheaded/participated in that you are personally proud of? What did you take away from these experiences?

A virtual community-driven project that I am currently spearheading which I am proud of is within the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science. “SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.” There are 133 student and professional chapters. Currently, I am volunteering with recruiting students and faculty from accredited tribal community colleges and universities for the first SACNAS Virtual Chapter. The Virtual Chapter will have exclusive teaching and learning resources, valuable networking opportunities, mentoring opportunities, special cultural events, and celebrations.

I am proud to be part of this Virtual Chapter because I believe in the mission, vision, and plans of the people and community of SACNAS. It is an honor to be of assistance to a vision I believe in. There are 32 fully accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU’s.) I believe in diversity as a tool for collective thought. As I am of Native American and Hispanic heritage, I aspire to connect with students who also have diverse heritages. By having a SACNAS Virtual Chapter, students from the 32 TCU’s will have the opportunity to connect on many levels from academic to professional to cultural. My heart will grow with happiness to see others feel connected.

How do you connect with your ancestral roots in your professional and personal life?

I connect with my ancestral roots in my professional life by reflecting with good energy several times a day. I connect with my ancestral roots in my personal life every day and every moment. I think of my community in every action I participate in. My academic and professional paths are dedicated to serve the Indigenous community.

As an Indigenous leader, what motivates you to move forward in times of adversity? Where do you find your passion?

As an Indigenous leader, I think of the obstacles and successes of Indigenous people to motivate me during times of adversity. I read of leaders such as Elouise Cobell. “In 1996, banker Elouise Cobell became the lead plaintiff in a class action suit, demanding back payment and better accounting on Individual Indian Money Accounts managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Thirteen years later, the federal government settled for $3.4 billion, the largest settlement in U.S. history.”

I think of the hard work people have done before my life that has made large positive impacts. When I review the efforts of people like Eloise Cobell, I feel that I can do more. I find more energy, drive, persistence, determination, joy, fire, and heart. I believe in myself that one day, I too will assist my community with a meaningful impact. I know the importance of what one person can accomplish. To me, a good leader is a good listener and follower. With both, people will provide support.

What do you see yourself doing in the future? Next five years? Ten?

In the next five years, I see myself finishing a master’s program through the Native American Opportunity Plan from the University of California. In ten years, I see myself working as Director of Impact at the James Beard Foundation.

How could GlobalMindED further support the efforts that you are a part of?

I thank GlobalMindED for this opportunity to share some of my stories. I have reflected on my words, as they contain much hope. I thank the community of GlobalMindED. I have read many of your stories. You have inspired me. Your stories keep me going as I learn in class and as I aim to be a better leader.
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:
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