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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From First Gen and Poverty Affected Upbringing to Police Sergeant: Meet Inclusive Leader in Male Dominated Field, Evelyn Orozco
What is your personal story?
I was born and raised in Denver, CO. I grew up in a very tough situation with my biological mother. Between the age of seven to fourteen, we moved over eleven times, and I was exposed to many illegal substances as my birth mother suffered from substance abuse. Luckily, at age fifteen, I was taken out of that situation and adopted by two remarkable women, Vanessa and Mayeli. They took me in and invited me into their family with open arms despite already having three other children. Because of them, I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and follow in their footsteps. They are my role models. Since I became a part of their family, I wanted to become an FBI agent, just like them. Seeing my parents go into the field and hearing about the fantastic work encouraged me to do well in school and eventually get a full ride to The University of Denver. While attending school, I worked for GlobalMindED and LifeBound, where I could network and build special relationships that would lead me to where I am now. I also became a part of a fantastic Latina Sorority, Pi Lambda Chi, where I met some of the most inspirational women unafraid to lead in a predominantly male and white institution. I graduated in 2018 and decided to pursue a career as a Police Officer for DPD. Now, I am a Sergeant working for the same department, and I want to encourage many leaders within my role to follow their dreams, just like I was able to do.
While working for the Police Department, what are some obstacles you've encountered as a female with a disability, and how did you overcome them?
In a male-dominated force, my biggest obstacle was not being taken seriously. I was one of the youngest and smallest officers in my academy. As a female, I was told by some of my counterparts that I would not accomplish anything and that I should give up, as I would not be able to pass the academy. Having a disability did not make things easier either. Many tests were rigorous and physically challenging, especially for a woman who is only 4'10. My disability made the range test difficult, but I was determined to prove my worth. With hard work, dedication, and help from some fantastic colleagues, I was able to pass every test with almost a perfect score, making me top of my class. The obstacles I faced did not bring me down; instead, they empowered me to keep going and continue to do so.
As a Sergeant, I continue to face challenges. Women are only 13 percent of the entire force nationally, and many do not get to be in leadership roles. As a leader, I get compared to many male sergeants, and I get labeled as "condescending," "demanding," and "too emotional," whereas my male peers get told they are great leaders that take charge and get things done. Like many other women in my shoes, I like to brush that off and continue with my management style, as I know that aside from all those negative connotations, I've earned my spot, and I am a great leader.
What motivated you and encouraged you to become a leader within your organization?
My parents are my biggest motivation and encouragement. Seeing them shine in leadership roles within the FBI as a lesbian power couple made me realize that anything was possible. Because of them, I decided to actively seek promotions, and why I will continue to do so if given the opportunity to. The disparities between male and female leaders within law enforcement are immense, and I want to be part of the solution. As I rise within my organization, I want to be that role model to other females and show that it is possible to succeed even when all the odds are against them. I also want to be part of the conversations that will make law enforcement more inclusive and make it easier for future generations to promote and become great leaders.
How can GlobalMindED further support your DEI efforts?
GlobalMindED is a fantastic organization I was privileged enough to be and continue to be part of. I met some incredible individuals with excellent leadership skills that were able to mentor me and teach me skills that would make me the leader I am today. The GlobalMindED community is immense, and with their support and guidance, my efforts to make DPD more inclusive will be achievable. Not only does GlobalMindED create a pathway to leadership, but they also guide you through with their incredible team and network.
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Join us in Denver June 7-9 for GlobalMindED 2023
Early Bird Registration Open Now
GlobalMindED 2023 June 7-9 Denver Sheraton
To get a feel for the conference experience, please see this brief video by The PhD Project from the 2022 GlobalMindED Conference, and the Complete 2022 Program
The 2022 Conference:
- 800+ attendees
- 140 students from 41 universities/colleges
- 300+ speakers from 65 universities/colleges and 47 businesses
- 130 universities/colleges represented
- Majority of panels featured at least one student
- 74 % diverse speakers
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First and Ten from the One Yard Line - Moving the Educational Justice and Reparations Ball Forward in the Black Community
Hear from champions and leaders doing the work to eliminate educational equity and exploring how to realistically attain the “Forty Acres and a Mule.” Learn about efforts, obstacles, and opportunities to ensure educational and economic equity become a true element of the lived experience of Black and African Americans.
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First and Ten from the One Yard Line - Moving the Educational Justice and Reparations Ball Forward in the Black Community, a Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable presentation
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Dr. Ryan Ross; Assoc. V. Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity, & Inclusion, Colorado Community College System
Eric McDonnell; Chair, African American Reparations Advisory Committee, City and County of San Francisco
Dr. Christopher Mathis; Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Iowa, College of Law Professor
Sadé Cooper; Co-Founder & CEO Collaborative Healing Initiative within Communities
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The GlobalMindED Inclusive Success NetworkTM had another banner year of growth, impact, and outcomes for First Generation, poverty-affected and minoritized students. Here are some of the highlights:
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Return of in-person GlobalMindED conference with record attendance and the largest First Gen Leadership Class ever of 122 student leaders. See PhD Project brief video of the event.
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Our fourth annual Inclusive Leader Awards recognized 15 DEIB leaders across sectors.
- Almost all our 100+ panels and sessions of 2022 featured a student.
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Of the 300+ speakers, 73% were diverse leaders sharing their thoughts.
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We held our first Industry Marketplace Career Exploration Arena at GlobalMindED 2022 with 40 companies, giving K-12, college students, educators, and leaders a way to learn about emerging fields and careers. Join us for the next one at GlobalMindED 2023.
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Our first satellite event at Georgia Institute of Tech was livestreamed via the Atlanta PBS affiliate.
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We became an official initiative of the Foundation for the Support the United Nations (FSUN) and will hold our first UN event on March 22, 2023.
- ·We served ten colleges with the GlobalMindED Success Collaborative connecting students at each HBCU, MSI, HIS and Tribal College with role models, mentors, internships, and jobs.
- We had partners/volunteers from Microsoft, Salesforce, Rubrik, HP, Stanford MBA and more.
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We spoke at the White House Initiative for HBCUs with sponsor Hewlett Packard.
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Our team, Board, Colorado Board and Executive Leadership Council are all majority diverse serving a majority diverse population of emerging leaders.
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We continued to publish our daily newsletter and conduct monthly virtual Equity events, led by people of color with majority diverse panelists and students. These are the role models for our students.
- Our annual operating budget increased by 67% emerging COVID strong.
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We doubled our staff from four to eight as we grow to scale our impact.
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Our Young Professionals grew to 40 strong, with a ten-person leadership cabinet made up of, but not limited to, graduates of our programs who are now working professionals.
- Since 2015, we have successfully connected 1,200+ students to internships and jobs.
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Our founder, Carol Carter, was recognized as one of the Most Powerful Women in Denver by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and one of the Most Admired CEOs by the Denver Business Journal.
We are grateful for the support, inclusive leadership, and financial contributions of our community and sponsors who work tirelessly to open doors for the students we serve, the institutions who support them, and the businesses and non-profits who are committed to hiring a capable, diverse talent pipeline. We look forward to seeing all of you June 7-9 at our best event yet, GlobalMindED 2023 - Transforming Boundaries: Creating Systemic Access and Equity. The Inclusive Leaders Awards Dinner is June 7, followed by the conference June 8- 9 at the Denver Downtown Sheraton.
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