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.
‌
Using Wellbriety to Support People Overcoming Addiction: Meet Yolanda Spencer, Member of the Yakama and Lummi Nations


Yolanda is the Program Director for the Reentry Program for Urban Native Non-profit in Seattle, WA with Chief Seattle Club. Part of the Swan Clan, she carries her mother’s Lummi name “Cho Phosh Owet”. She attended Haskell Indian Nations University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

What key moments defined you as a leader?

Thinking back at my 10 years’ experience in development work supporting incarcerated individuals, I found that my relationship with one mentor has helped me immensely. This mentor, Guy Suetopka, has made me a better and stronger person. He has guided me in his expertise on how to handle most situations when it comes to leadership. It has been helpful having that personal insight on how to handle stress and success when moving up in the chain of command.

I believe that having a good mentor helps you gain, not only the experience that some already have, but also gives you an idea as to what kind of leader you would like to be and how you can handle challenges to make yourself a stronger person. 

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

I am proud to have been contracted through a Native Reentry program that brought "wellbriety" classes to different communities. In helping our "sisters on other sides of the wall", this program established weekly steps that incorporated the medicine wheel approach to start the healing process for anyone experiencing addiction.

This helped me gain a deeper appreciation for the stories and lessons we all have. Through this process we all worked together to establish trust and create an awareness of how "wellbriety" approaches are successful in supporting those overcoming addiction.

How do you connect with your ancestral roots professionally and personally?

I have been fortunate to work in an organization that allows us to take time off for cultural activities. This has helped with personal well-being. In addition to time off, we always smudge before our team meetings to put us in right frame of mind. I have found this to be an important part of connecting with my ancestral roots.

As a leader, what motivates you to move forward in adversity?

I believe when you write something down it helps you envision where you are to where you want to be more mentally stronger. I write everything down in my journal to track my goals and ideas to be more productive, not only personally but professionally.
"Graduating to Promotion Pathway Jobs", "Students Have Their Say", "A Conversation With Killer Mike": Just a few of the panels Friday at GlobalMindED in Atlanta, where we Resolve to Solve. Register here for in-person or livestream.

Livestream the event fee-waived through WABE Atlanta PBS. Register here.

Join us for an all-star line-up of talent at the GlobalMindED/Georgia Tech Office of Minority Education (OMED) Resolve to Solve Series with leaders from business, higher education and media as we connect and collaborate with students to create their success now and in the future. The rap sensation, Killer Mike will have a 1:1 conversation followed by a networking career reception with companies for students to explore careers, bring their resumes and prospect for internships.

 View this short video of our June event and the impact it had on presidents, faculty and students. 
 
Attendees include students, educators, business leaders, policy makers, and foundations/funders.
  • Speakers include college presidents Dr. Glenda Glover (Tennessee State), Dr. David Thomas (Morehouse), Dr. Brian Blake (GA State), business and tech leaders, and global hip-hop sensation, Michael Render (aka Killer Mike), who will share his personal vision of Love & Respect, which is also the title of his new PBS talk show.
  • Breakfast, lunch, and reception are included in the $295 registration fee. Students attend for $195.
  • Livestream anywhere fee-waived

Student Delegates will go to Industry Marketplace Reception to meet 15 companies and explore careers after Killer Mike's Closing Session!
SAVE the DATE 2023: June 7 Inclusive Leader Awards Dinner
First Gen Leadership Program
June 8, 9 GlobalMindED Conference
2023 Denver, Colorado

CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS OPEN
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:
GlobalMindED | 303-327-5688 | contact@globalminded.org | www.globalminded.org
Stay Connected