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.
Meet Janelle C. Mason - PhD Candidate in Computer Science at NC A&T State University & a Title III Chancellor’s Distinguished Scholar Fellow


Janelle was extremely grateful to attend and participate as a panelist on Paula Garcia Todd's STEM discussion: "NSF INCLUDES Barrier Breaking to Engineering and STEM for Diverse Students" at the GlobalMindED 2022 Conference. Here are a few of her insights:
  • The conference provided several opportunities to network and interact with everyone.
  • The backgrounds and experiences of each Inclusive Leader Award winner were enlightening and empowering.
  • Each session provoked Janelle’s thoughts in different ways. A common theme that she observed from session to session was growth. The perspective of growth in terms of a need for expansion. Each panel provided valuable insights that offered useful strategies on how to effectively proceed in that particular area.
  • As changes are made to systems, i.e., educational systems, do not forget the critical skills and abilities that are necessary to continue forward progress.

Born and reared in Charlottesville, Virginia, her family focused on three primary pillars her entire life - God, family, and education. Her parents were her first preachers, teachers, coaches, and much much more. From going to church, playing sports, having family math competitions, and family Sunday reading time, Janelle’s family did the majority of things together. As young children, Janelle’s parents would have timed math competitions between her brother, Mr. André W. Mason, and her.

On Saturday mornings while in elementary school, Janelle’s family would attend a family program called the Saturday Academy Program at the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville, Virginia. The program was conducted by the Dean of the African American Studies Program, Dean M. Rick Turner, PhD. Calculus, Chemistry, and African American Studies were some courses taught to African American students in school from grades 4 to 12 by African American college students at the University of Virginia. At that time, Janelle was in the second grade. Her parents were told Janelle was too young to participate in the program, but her parents made sure she participated. Janelle understood Calculus far better than the students who met the age and grade requirement to participate in the Saturday Academy Program. She excelled in both Calculus and Chemistry, as well as she began to develop an understanding of African American studies.

As Janelle matriculated through school, she participated in summer enrichment engineering, math, and science programs at the University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary. During these programs, her thinking was challenged in mathematics, science, and engineering to provoke her ability to problem solve through coursework as well as group projects. She worked with different students from various backgrounds to solve problems, create projects, and give presentations. Janelle’s participation in these scholastic opportunities increased her interest, passion, and problem solving skills in math, science, and engineering.

Her parents ensured that her brother and her were well-rounded in academics, sports, music, and knowing God. Janelle and André swam on two swimming teams - one in the summer and another in the winter. They would discuss how to improve each other’s swimming mechanics and techniques to improve their times often. In order for them to reach their conclusions, they assessed their techniques by applying mathematics, aerodynamics, and understanding water displacement. They assisted one another by developing strategies for their races, ranging from the frame of mind to physically showing one another what to do. They were competitive amongst each other, while at the same time they wanted to see the best in each other.

During Janelle’s undergraduate studies in Computer Science, some of her professors encouraged her to pursue her Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Computer Science. She earned her M.S. in Computer Science with concentrations in Information Assurance and Software Engineering. While in pursuit of her M.S. Janelle began her professional career supporting all branches of the United States military, under the Department of the Navy, as a civilian Computer Scientist, and a National Science Foundation Cyber Defender Scholarship for Service Fellow.

Her goals in the STEM field consists of improving privacy, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things. During her international and research experiences she learned the importance of listening and thinking at a more inclusive level, in order to articulate your research to very broad audience and welcome questions. A globally diverse team (diversity in everyone’s background ranging from their nationality to each individual’s particular field of study) births an innovative atmosphere.

Janelle is currently a PhD Candidate in Computer Science at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA as a Title III Chancellor’s Distinguished Scholar Fellow.

As our next generation of inclusive leaders takes the baton from the current leaders, Janelle would like to impart the following advice.
  1. Be authentic to who you are as you are a gift to the world. As you serve the community in which you lead, remember that you were created for a specific unique purpose that is designed specifically for you. Within your authentic self, you possess several gifts that can only be uniquely executed by you.
  2. Always show up, be ethical, act confidently, and express humility and gratitude. As a leader, your presence is one form of showing up. Rise to the occasion. You were created for everything you face. Always be ethical in your character and remain confident. Show and give thanks in everything.
  3. Dream big and exhibit the change the world needs. Continue to dream as a leader projecting where the community you are serving should discover and explore. As you dream, write down your vision. Set and accomplish goals based on your vision with a humble heart and to change the world.
  4. Keep listening, keep thinking, keep including all manner of mankind, and act based on the greater good. When making decisions, listen and assess based on what is right for the diverse community.
  5. Improve the community under your leadership. This will allow growth and further development for the community and generations to come.
  6. Face your fears head-on. Push past them and achieve the goals under your leadership.
  7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
  8. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not into your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Janelle (in black jacket) on the STEM discussion " NSF INCLUDES: Barrier Breaking to Engineering and STEM for Diverse Students"
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:


Video remarks:
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
Meet the 2022 Inclusive Leader Award Winners, please see their stories:
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