2020 GlobalMindED
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.
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Meet Claire Mayorga, a remarkable young woman whose Dad came to the U.S. from Nicaragua in the late sixties. Her parents, both leaders in the tech industry, have influenced her passion for science and computer science as have her brother at Microsoft and her sister earning her PhD at Princeton. Read her story below and see why the future is bright in the hands of leaders like Claire, a 2019 graduate of UT Austin. |
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Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Claire Mayorga, I am 24 years old, and I am half-Hispanic. My dad moved to the United States from Nicaragua when he was 18. I graduated with a B.S. in Biology from University of Texas at Austin. I plan on continuing my education, going to graduate school, and getting my PhD one day. I see myself doing research and field work because I love to work outside, be part of a small lab team, and explore new places. I’ve worked in many different research labs including plant biology, animal behavior, biophysics, marine geochemistry, and oceanography. Eventually I see myself as a scientist studying the ocean, climate change, or conservation, but until then, I love exploring different jobs. Most recently, I joined the Peace Corps and was a Math and Science Teacher in Liberia, West Africa. I was supposed to serve 27-months there total, unfortunately the Covid-19 Pandemic forced all Peace Corps Volunteers (in the world) to evacuate in March 2020. I don’t know for sure what kind of work I will do long-term, but I do know I won’t stop looking until I find a career that brings me happiness and purpose.
How do you think being Hispanic has impacted your life?
My father came from Nicaragua at the age of 18, and I went there many times growing up to visit my entire paternal family. As a kid, I remember being completely dumbfounded by this completely new place with different markets, family, milk, words, etc. I remember really amazing things like going ziplining in the canopy of the jungles, the pink sand beaches, seeing monkeys and volcanoes, and picking fresh coconuts to open with a machete. Unfortunately, as Nicaragua is labeled the second poorest county in the Americas, I also remember some more shocking things: children begging for money at stop lights, infinite stray dogs, and so many people living on the side of the road. As a kid, I didn’t understand how rare these experiences were. To be honest, in elementary school I spent a lot of time trying to get rid of my accent, because I was tired of being mocked for rolling my Rs. Looking back though, I am so thankful for this part of my life and perspective at such a young age. I really think the younger you’re exposed to new cultures, the easier it is to grasp how big and diverse this world is. Growing up in a middle-class suburb of Dallas, I was trained to want to go to other developed countries. At the time Nicaragua was considered “third world,” yet when I was adventuring in their jungles and beaches playing with my many cousins, I never felt so free. It gave me the mindset that the world is so big and you can never really understand it unless you experience it, all of it, not just the “developed” parts. I now realize that this is probably one of the reasons I joined and loved the Peace Corps. Liberia reminded me so much of Nicaragua, and I already had practice living and loving in a culture that some consider “poor” but I consider “priceless.”
You’ve had many different and unusual jobs; how do you choose them and how do you define success?
I have definitely done some very unusual things. In college, I got my SCUBA certification in Cambodia, where I volunteered as a Marine Conservation Volunteer, and I placed coral reef pods on the sea floor to increase biodiversity. Then to study abroad, I sailed from New Zealand to Tahiti on a tall ship (think Pirates of the Caribbean) for 6 weeks doing oceanography research. After that, I moved to Liberia with the Peace Corps. There, I lived in remote villages hauling water, cooking over a fire, and teaching science in a room without lights or paper. I can’t really describe what drew me to all these undertakings, but if I had to guess, it would be the stories from people who had already done it. Before I applied to sail across the South Pacific Ocean or move to the equator, I got to hear honest, first-hand accounts from people reflecting on their experiences. Their whole-hearted reflections never mentioned the exhaustion, lack of resources, or any regret. Instead, they mentioned the amazing and supportive communities, the infinite stars, the personal growth, and the wild adventures that not only challenged them, but changed them. Their honest accounts inspired me to follow in their footsteps, and because they were real people’s account, I knew anything they could do, I could do. I think I learn the most when challenged, so by always seeking out jobs that challenge you me, I walk away with perspective, new skills, and confidence in myself from what I accomplished. I guess I define success as being happy with where I am, and I’m happiest when I’m being challenged with new important projects, and surrounded by understanding, like-minded people.
You just returned as a Science and Math Teacher from The Peace Corps in Liberia, West Africa. How did that experience change you and your views on diversity?
I really had no idea what to expect after I joined Peace Corps. I had no experience teaching in a classroom, no background knowledge of Liberia, and knew no one going in. Luckily, Peace Corps is really great at supporting Volunteers throughout the process. I had to learn to do so many different things like hauling water, take malaria prophylaxis, and teach science. Also, I was constantly navigating unusual situations like bargaining at the market, hosting school administration meetings in Liberian English, running science labs using resources like flowers and water bags, and undergoing constant new trainings with my cohort. I rarely felt overwhelmed because I had so many others in my cohort going through the same process with me. We learned crazy things like how to flush a toilet, how to ride a motorbike, how to know if someone is flirting with you, and how to remain mentally and physically resilient, to name a few. My favorite part of the trainings was that we were mostly being trained my volunteers who had only been there a year. Seeing volunteers who were one year into their service, and seeing how comfortable they were really helped me know that I could do this. And I did! I moved to a remote village in the middle of the jungle, I taught General Science, I trained Health volunteers, I cooked rice and soup over a fire that I started, and I became part of my community. I can’t say my service was perfect, or even typical, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m not one to cry, but tears were absolutely shed when I was told I would have to leave my village, my cohort, and my new community, because of Covid-19.
Being a Peace Corps Volunteer was definitely life-changing and the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. Yet, it taught me so much about the world and everyone in it. When it comes to diversity, I learned that we all have something to learn from each other and that while life exists in so many different cultures, no one is better than the other. I became more open-minded to what life is really about and more comfortable being an advocate for things I believe in. It’s one of the reasons I’m really impressed by the work at GlobalMindED, where increasing avenues for low-income and first generations students in STEM is a priority. I am personally not low-income or first generation, but I do understand the importance of the increasing voices of those not represented and learning from their story. This is especially important in America now as we come to terms with a Justice system that works differently depending on what you look like, and systematic racism that, until recently, was only recognized by few. We have to work together and learn from each other’s different experiences and perspective. I learned in the Peace Corps that I really don’t even know what I don’t know, so I better shut up and start listening.
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Click to view the most recent webinars: |
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Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Diverse College Presidents Talk About First 6 Weeks of School: Dr. Ryan Ross; Assoc. V. Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity, & Inclusion, Colorado Community College System moderates. Panelists include Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston President, Norfolk State University, Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite President, Bethune-Cookman University, Dr. Annette Parker President, South Central College, Minnesota State, Dr. Miles Davis President, Linfield University, and Dr. Michael Torrence President, Motlow State College
Hispanic Language Heritage Language Assets for Career Preparedness: Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) and GlobalMindED, moderated by Lorena Orozco McElwain; OELA, Panelists include: Carol Carter; GlobalMindED, Felícita Solá-Carter; Excellence in Government Program, Oscar Fraire; University of Colorado Denver student, Patty Lopez; Intel Corporation, and Adrian Rosado; Cultural Clarity Experience.
Hispanic Language Heritage: Retention of Heritage Culture and Language(s) US Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) and GlobalMindED, and panelists celegrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Lorena Orozco and Supreet Anand of OELA, Cristina Alfaro; San Diego State University, Luis Benitez; VF Corporation, Clotilde Dedecker; Circle of Women, Joe Garcia; Ohkay OwinghTribe, and Dr.Joel Comez; Center for Applied Logistics
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: A Conversation on Race, Isms, Justice, Moving Forward and the Role White People Need to Play: Ryan Ross; Associate Vice Chancellor: Student Affairs, Equity, and Inclusion, Colorado Community College System leads the conversation with Clifton Taulbert; President and CEO, Freemount Corporation and Roots Java Coffee, Javon Brame; Dean of Students, Arapahoe Community College, Chelsea Williams; Founder & CEO, College Code LLC, and Representative Leslie Herod; Legislator, Colorado General Assembly
Equity in Engineering Programs: Priming the STEM Pipeline During and After COVID-19: Dr. Dora Renaud, Sr. Director of Academic Programs & Professional Development, SHPE: Leading Hispanics in STEM, Melanie Suarez, Student, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Mechanical Engineering, Nicolas Valencia Diaz, Student, Florida International University, Biomedical Engineering, Sophia Plata, PhD Student, University of Southern California, Environmental Engineering
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To view the recent Rural sessions, please see our YouTube channel:
Native American Business Opportunities, Tribal Economic Development and Post-secondary Education/Workforce Participation: J.C. Whorton, Jr.; Consultant, Lecturer, Author and Adjunct Faculty, University of Colorado Boulder, Don Kelin; President, Fox Professional Services, Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce, Matt Rantanen; Director of Technology, Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association, Tribal Digital Village Network Initiative, and Melvin Monette; CEO, Indigenous Education, Inc.
Fortifying Native Students, Faculty and Communities During and After COVID-19: Ron Lessard (Mohawk); Acting Exec. Director, White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education leads panel including Diana Cournoyer; Oglala Sioux Tribe, Executive Director, National Indian Education Association, Michael Chamberlain; Special Assistant for Rural Outreach, US Department of Education, Carrie L. Billy; President & CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and features a performance by Ava Rose Johnson; Student and Musician, Native American Music Awards Winner
Rural Innovations in Education During COVID-19: Anne Trujillo; Anchor 7News, Denver moderates the panel which includes Tina Goar; Executive Director, San Luis Valley BOCES, Dr. Robert Mitchell; Asst. Professor of Leadership, Research, and Foundations, UCCS, Luis Murillo; Principal, Skoglund Middle School, and Samantha Yocam; Superintendent and Principal, Kim School District
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THE FLYOVER NATION
Energy's Role in a Troubled Heartland
By J.C. Whorton
A unique and timely discussion of the challenging issues facing the country’s troubled Heartland.
Since the beginning of westward expansion into the Heartland’s vast regions, natural resource development has played a historic role in shaping its communities. Today, domestic oil and gas development offers one of the strongest prospects for the Heartland’s present and future prosperity as well as the nation’s re-emergence as a dominant player in the global energy economy.
The U.S. is now the world’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas, two circumstances that are universally disrupting international geopolitical order. The earth has a finite supply of natural resources and a rapidly growing and over consuming population.
As America positions itself for a very uncertain and constantly evolving global marketplace, will the Heartland become America’s “great connector” or “great divide”?
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J.C. Whorton is a senior level energy and financial professional with over forty years of essential experience. Having a ranching and Native American heritage, Mr. Whorton is a strong advocate for rural education and economic development initiatives.
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Links to read about Inclusive Leaders, many of whom are African American and people of color:
Curated sessions from GlobalMindED 2020 YouTube channel:
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From the Center for Positive Organizations:
From the Economist:
From Forbes:
From Harvard Business Review:
From the World Academy of Art & Science and UN; Geneva Global Leadership in the 21st Century econference:
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Listen here for an interview with Pam Newkirk, GlobalMindED speaker and author of Diversity Inc.: The Failed Promise of a Billion- Dollar Business.
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Responding to Crisis
The 30-Day Justice Plan
As the reset of America is underway, understanding the role you can play in a system of change can be difficult, but we encourage you to listen, learn and be active. To start, instead of, say, a juice cleanse, feed your brain and move yourself with this practical plan over the next month. Here's our guide of what to read, watch, listen to and do in order to be part of the solution.
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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GlobalMindED and the SDG Impact Fund are delighted to announce GlobalMindED's Donor Advised Fund. 2020 is the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations and the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Women's Declaration and Action Platform. Many from around the world are thinking of 2020 as the gateway to our most vital decade for delivering equity, the Sustainable Development Goals, and a world where all can thrive. Our key time for these outcomes is 2020-2030.
GlobalMindED DAF and the SDG Impact Fund are a powerful combined force for good as the 2019 year comes to a close and we reflect on the gratitude and the commitments we make to the causes we care most about. The DAF offers immense power and flexibility for giving prior to the year's end as you plant seeds of generous intention for 2020 and the decade ahead.
When you contribute to GlobalMindED, you support First Gen students. We have served more than 400 students by connecting them to role models, mentors, internships and jobs. Your generous support will allow us to take our work 10x and reach these talented students at scale who lack the resources and support we provide. Your support also helps teachers who can't afford the conference fees, faculty at colleges which are under resourced and students who persist at those universities despite food insecurity and/or housing insecurity.
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Meet GlobalMindED Founder, Carol Carter as interviewed by Tim Moore on his podcast Success Made to Last: From Success to Significance
Listen to Part 1 of Carol's interview
Listen to Part 2 of Carol's interview
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Recent GlobalMindED Newsletter Profiles:
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Since 2006 when the flagship TGR Learning Lab opened its doors in Anaheim, CA, TGR Foundation has had a lot to celebrate, including its most recent milestone of one million students impacted by TGR EDU: Explore, alone.
Developed in partnership with Discovery Education, TGR EDU: Explore is a free digital resource library that offers interactive web experiences, lesson plans, training videos and tools for educators, students and families to explore new disciplines and gain skills for a modern and expanding workforce.
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As you start the New Year, are you looking for ways to re-engineer your classroom culture? Check out Designing the Future: How Engineering Builds Creative Critical Thinking in the Classroom. The associated website has lots of activities, projects, and resources you can implement immediately. Our fall workshops using the book as a roadmap for change have been highly successful. Start designing the future today - try using the customized Study Guide for a book study in your PLC. Or contact ProjectEngin or Solution Tree to learn how you can bring professional development based on Ann's book to your school, district, or conference.
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