The Future of Work is Diverse, Inclusive, Just and Equitable
GlobalMindED is an Inclusive Success NetworkTM dedicated to creating a capable diverse talent pipeline, closing the equity gap for women and people of color, and connecting underrepresented/ underserved students to role models, mentors, internships, and jobs.
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GlobalMindED celebrates Black History Month by highlighting and elevating influential black voices. Meet Mighty Fine, Associate Executive Director at the American Public Health Association (APHA), whose portfolio focuses on enhancing health science, policy, public health practice, and public health leadership. He designs, develops, and evaluates public health programs and provides programmatic technical assistance, consultation, and research translation support to local, state, and national partners.
His efforts aim not only to prevent disease and infirmity but also to bolster opportunities for growth, development, and self-actualization at the individual and community levels. Trained as a Social Epidemiologist, his work spans various aspects of public health, including injury and violence prevention, maternal and family health, HIV/AIDS, HCV, social policy, and chronic disease prevention.
Having lived and worked in rural and urban environments, Mighty credits this empirical insight with anchoring his understanding of systematic levers of oppression. Thus, a core part of his work has focused on addressing the structures that serve as pillars of disadvantage. He has expertise in the social determinants of health and brings a social justice perspective to the assessment and prevention of public health issues.
Mighty earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Rutgers University and a Master of Public Health from Yale University, with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences and Chronic Disease Epidemiology. He is also certified by the National Commission for Health Education as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).
You can meet Mighty in June, as he will be speaking at GlobalMindED as part of the Health Equity Track.
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Seeing Beyond the Seeming: How Possibility Drives Mighty Fine's Commitment to Public Health at APHA and Beyond
What is your personal and professional story?
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and spent some of my childhood in Western, PA. Since my parents were high school sweethearts, both sides of my family were very integrated. Thus, I was blessed to be surrounded by family on my maternal and paternal side. Being connected in this way fostered my understanding of the benefits of social capital and cohesion. I also acknowledge that a core component of my story is love. It has been ever-present throughout my life thus far. Being loved and being able to freely express it, gave me a major sense of belonging. I bring this sentiment into the work that I do so it’s no surprise that I ended up majoring in Public Health when I attended Rutgers University and followed up these studies by being trained as a Social Epidemiologist, earning my MPH from Yale University. I say it’s no surprise because love is one of the forces that drives my commitment to improving the well-being of our communities. I believe compassion for the health and welfare of others is fundamental to public health initiatives. Ultimately, it’s my love of community that fuels my passion to advance equity and continue to work to dismantle the systems that exacerbate disadvantage and community declination.
What are key moments that shaped your life?
My parents created space that allowed me to have a healthy inquisition and curiosity. I always asked questions because I wanted to understand why something was the way it was. This encouragement was bolstered by an enrichment program I participated in while in elementary school. During that time, I had a range of experiences that fostered my love for learning outside of the classroom. My critical thinking was nurtured, I was able to tap into my creativity, and my problem-solving skills were sharpened. I believe once my parents agreed to let me participate in this program, it helped to shape the person I am today. I was exposed to so many different things from farming to aeronautics. I still have a passion for continual learning, and I fully assess a situation before rushing to a decision.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
Maya Angelou once said, “We all have that possibility, that potential, and that promise of seeing beyond the seeming.” As such, possibility fuels my passion because it recognizes what can be achieved or accomplished with the appropriate support. I think about the opportunities that I was provided because people saw what was possible within me, even when I didn’t immediately recognize it myself. I often say my work isn’t solely about mitigating the negatives (e.g., disease, violence, premature death), it’s also about fostering the presence of opportunity. This ideology ensures communities are provided with adequate resources to help them realize their fullest potential.
How can GlobalMindED help you achieve your goals?
GlobalMindED can help me continue to showcase the power of opportunity and the importance of investing in our young people. Uplifting the importance of a future orientation mindset, recognizing that the future is unwritten and we have the collective power to shape it.
In addition to speaking at GlobalMindED as a key leader on the Health track, he will present the Inclusive Leader Award to this year's winner for Health & Wellness, Dr. Linda Thompson.
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GlobalMindED’s 10th Anniversary Conference
Powerful Voices Across Generations: Past, Present, Future
Denver June 17-19
The 10th annual conference in Denver will gather national thought leaders across sectors including education, business, health, policy, tech, and more. If you have never been to a GlobalMindED event, you will be in for a treat, as this year will be a reunion for many of our graduates, speakers, and Inclusive Leader Award winners who have been honored throughout the years.
Please see:
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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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