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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Leading the Way with Kindness as a Disabled, Muslim Woman in Tech: Meet Tarja Porkka-Kontturi,
Director of Community Engagement at Global Game Jam
Working as Director of Community Engagement at Global Game Jam and Community Manager at DeepWell DTx, Tarja Porkka-Kontturi is the founder of her own Games Accessibility and DEI consultancy company Tarja P-K. As a producer, she embraces empathetic leadership. Tarja volunteers as Board Member at IGDA Game Credits SIG and is also Vice President at We in Games, Finland. She also serves as a mentor at IGDA and Women in Games.
What is your personal/professional story?
I was a teenage mom but thanks to the support of my amazing husband and family, was able to continue my education. I initially worked as an upholsterer and restorer/cabinetmaker and became a workshop facilitator for the long-term unemployed who struggled with substance abuse problems and other issues. As a younger woman, I was very active in politics. My will to make the world a better place was strong! Unfortunately, at the age of 24, I suffered a stroke, and at 26, I got a pacemaker because of a heart illness. I'm chronically ill and disabled. At the time of diagnosis, it was necessary for me to be on a disability pension. This was a very hard time but, again, my family was right there next to me. With the onset of the pandemic, remote working became more common, and ironically, new doors opened for me in my career. I was able to take online, open university courses in computer science, game development, and organizational law. All of this helped me get back into working life. Eventually, I was able to earn a university degree, entirely remotely, at the age of 40! Around the same time, I was diagnosed with autism, helping me understand more about myself and my life. I'm currently an Advisor of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Game Development and Design Collection at Global Game Jam, my first visible tech industry job. I love its community, values and vision. I also work with DeepWell DTx's community and socials and consult through my own accessibility and DEI company established a few years ago. I'm honored to have won the*gameHERS award for The Indie Community Manager of the Year 2022 for my work at Global Game Jam with its awesome diverse community.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
The realization and acceptance that I'm different (disabled and autistic) as well as managing life's challenges, including chronic illness, Covid, the loss of loved ones, and more have all been key to leading me to where I am today. But that's life! There are highs and lows. The ride is bumpy. Networking with like-minded people who share my values has boosted my confidence and love for the industry. My family is an absolute force of encouragement as well. Their support is priceless. Covid has been a changing point for the whole world: allowing people to work remotely provided an opportunity for folks like me. It's sad to see that many companies and events are moving back to in-person operations, but I will keep advocating for hybrid/remote so that all can live and work in a more accessible and inclusive world.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
I had my share of difficulties in life. I have come to believe that kindness is the most important thing in this world. Showing kindness leads only to good and can truly shift things for the better. Empathy is such a strong force. I'm filled with love, and I want to share it. Helping underrepresented folks to be heard and seen is very important to me. I'm a disabled Muslim woman in the Tech Industry. It's not always easy! I want to help ensure that it's a little bit easier for others and especially those who are dreaming of having a career in the games.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
Inclusion and advocating for it is my core essence. GlobalMindED is doing excellent, important work to close equity gaps and create a wide network of people with the same goal. Let's do it together!
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If you are a leader at a district, college, company, non-profit, or foundation supporting GlobalMindED’s Tenth Anniversary event in Denver on June 17 (pre-conference + Inclusive Leader Awards dinner) 18-19 (conference) 2024, you are eligible to attend our Fall special event:
Transforming Financial Boundaries in Education, the Environment, and the Economy
Thursday, October 12th
United Nations DDR
Write Celeste Gardner to reserve your space: Celestegardner@globalminded.org
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Plan Now for GlobalMindED's 10th Anniversary Conference June 17-19 2024 at the Denver Hyatt Regency
Registration and Call for Proposals Open
See this 1-minute GlobalMindED 2023 at a glance video:
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PBS12 Denver filmed and live-streamed the GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Awards on June 7th as well as our main stage plenaries and presentations on June 8th. You can find them all individually on the GlobalMindED YouTube channel.
2023 GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award Winners:
Miriam Calderon, Chief Policy Officer, ZERO TO THREE: Inclusive Leader - Early Childhood Education
Dr. David Miyashiro, Superintendent, Cajon Valley Union School District, Inclusive Leader - K-12 Education
Carrie Billy, CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium: Inclusive Leader - Higher Education
Afua Bruce, Founder & Principal, ANB Advisory Group: Inclusive Leader - Government
Dr. Elena Rios, President & CEO, National Hispanic Medical Association: Inclusive Leader - Health & Wellness
Hassan Salem, Head of Commercial Banking, US Bank: Inclusive Leader - Banking & Finance
Greg Robinson, James Webb Space Telescope Project Director NASA (ret): Inclusive Leader - Space & Aerospace
Mary Nichols, Professor, UCLA Institute of the Environment, Inclusive Leader - Energy & Sustainability
Michael Campbell, General Manager, Education Division, Intel: Inclusive Leader - Technology
Diego Mariscal, CEO & Chief Disabled Person, 2Gether-International: Inclusive Leader - Entrepreneurship
Mario Carrera, President & CEO, CLLARO: Inclusive Leader - Media & Arts
Nasruddin Rupani, Chairman, Ibn Sina Foundation: Inclusive Leader - Foundations & Funders
Rosanna Durruthy, VP, Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, LinkedIn: Inclusive Leader -Global Impact
Kimberly Bryant, Founder & CEO, Black Innovation Lab; Black Girls Code: Inclusive Leader - Non-Profit
Insights from GlobalMindED Leaders:
Main-stage Presentatons:
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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 501c3.
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Thank you to all of the Sponsors, Speakers, Students, and Attendees at GlobalMindED 2023
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