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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Indigenous Trauma Survivor Heals Self and Others to Become Canadian Media Voice of Change: Meet Arlysse Lafreniere-Wuttunee
Arlysse Lafreniere-Wuttunee, a resilient force and torchbearer for change, is an Indigenous Entrepreneur, Activist, Advocate, and Change Maker. Raised on a farm on a reserve, she hails from a family of entrepreneurs and politicians, with her father serving as the local historian. Arlysse's childhood was steeped in the rich oral history of her people, the lands, and the ancestral ways that shaped her worldview.
Growing up in what she describes as one of the most racially challenging towns, coupled with economic hardship, Arlysse became a steadfast advocate for her Indigenous community. At the age of 15, driven by a fierce determination to break barriers, she left the reserve to pursue her dreams in the bustling city. Her journey cross-country led her through the music and business realms, culminating in a successful career in radio.
Venturing into the domain of Strategic Communications as a consultant, Arlysse collaborated with Indigenous, Municipal, Provincial, and Federal governments, emerging as a powerful voice for Indigenous entrepreneurs on the global stage, even representing their interests within the United Nations.
However, the trajectory of Arlysse's life took a profound turn after a life-altering incident where she was struck by a drunk driver. The very next night, she courageously intervened to protect her sister, an act that subjected her to a brutal assault. This harrowing experience catapulted Arlysse into a deeply transformative healing journey, navigating through the darkest chapters of her life. She had two choices, let this trauma direct her narrative, or take the power back and turn this pain into something magical for the rest of the world.
Arlysse Lafreniere-Wuttunee's resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to uplift Indigenous communities have defined her remarkable journey. She continues to be a beacon of change, using her voice to amplify the narratives of the voiceless and advocating for the cause of healing and empowerment for her people.
Tell us about your personal/professional journey?
Personal Journey:
Growing up on a reserve under the loving guidance of my grandparents, shaped the foundation of my personal journey. In a bustling household filled with siblings and cousins, we were instilled with an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age. Raised by grandparents who overcame the challenges of residential schools, day schools and poverty, education became a paramount focus. Grandma's unwavering work ethic set the tone, and alongside rigorous academic pursuits, I engaged in a constant journey of extracurricular activities, emerging as an award-winning academic scholar, athlete and school president.
Fueled by a relentless drive to be the role model I wished I had, I embarked on a journey to Toronto after high school, initially navigating the music industry. Transitioning to Radio as a Marketing executive and on-air personality, I simultaneously ventured into artist management, collaborating with industry giants like Sony Music Canada. A childhood passion for fashion became reality, when I produced cutting-edge fashion events sponsored by renowned brands like CIROC and Hennessy, garnering recognition in magazines, billboards, and major television networks.
Professional Journey:
A pivotal moment arrived when I became one of two individuals selected in a competitive program to represent Indigenous Entrepreneurs in Canada with the United Nations. This pushed me into a new level of clientele, Political Advising within the Federal government. At this point of success, a life-altering incident—a collision with a two-ton vehicle as a pedestrian—unveiled a profound shift. Within that 24 hours, I confronted another traumatic episode that catalyzed a journey of rediscovery and purpose. Guided by vision quests, I was shown a transformative path, clarifying my mission to guide others into quantum levels of healing.
Since then, my life has taken a radical turn as I've realigned it with my true purpose. I am committed to using my voice as a catalyst for healing, drawing upon my experiences and warrior training to empower others. This journey, though challenging, has unveiled a deeper understanding of who I am and the purpose I am meant to fulfill. As I navigate this path, I carry the lessons of resilience, determination, and the power of transformation, shaping both my personal and professional endeavors.
How do you connect with your ancestral roots?
At the heart of my mission is a profound commitment to guiding individuals on a conscious and intentional journey of indigenization, urging them to reconnect with the essence of why they chose to be Indigenous in this lifetime. In a settler-dominated world, I facilitate a process of self-rediscovery by leading people towards a conscious connection with their ancestors, the spirits of the land, and sacred ceremonies, empowering them to liberate themselves from the weight of oppression endured for centuries. This transformative process, breaking free from the stigmatic blanket of the past 500 years, is the catalyst for a new beginning. For me personally, the path to connecting with my ancestral roots involves regular participation in ceremony, dedicating 3-4 days each week to this sacred practice. Within the Indigenous Healing Collective, a gathering of wisdom keepers from diverse tribes worldwide, I find invaluable opportunities to absorb the ancient and sacred knowledge of different traditions. Guided by a board of Elders, Indigenous thought leaders, and drawing inspiration from my family, particularly my father, a local historian, and my 93-year-old grandfather, the oral traditions and historical wisdom are deeply ingrained in my journey. As an intuitively gifted individual, I engage with a council of ancestors during ceremonies, ensuring that every step in building and operating this mission resonates with the highest levels of integrity. This, to me, is the essence of staying profoundly connected to my ancestral roots.
As a leader what motivates you during times of adversity?
As a leader, my motivation during times of adversity is deeply rooted in my heritage and upbringing. Coming from a lineage of Indigenous Chiefs and Métis resistance fighters, the spirit of leading in challenging times is ingrained in my blood. The work ethic instilled in my childhood, growing up in a multi-family Indigenous household, combined with a decade-long career in event production, has honed my ability to thrive in chaos. My purpose in this lifetime is to use my voice, and I approach adversity with unwavering determination. Advocating for those who may struggle to self-advocate is a driving force for me. As an Indigenous woman in North America, I take pride in running, not walking, in my mission, mindful of the women who paved the way before me. The resilience and strength of my ancestors and the challenges overcome by Indigenous leaders inspire me to navigate adversity with grace, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.
Where do you find community?
I discover community within myself first. It's vital to recognize our interconnectedness—with each other, the land, the universe, and the creator. I was set free when I had the realization that I am all the love I had spent my entire life searching externally for. At that point of my evolution, I truly came to understand that we are all sovereign spiritual beings in a human experience. Understanding that everything we need is already within us, and that we’re simply taught to seek it externally, is a transformative moment. We are abundance, health, healing, love, and community. Rather than chasing these aspects externally, the key is to embody, radiate, and draw them in. By becoming our own best friend, confidant, life partner, and source of reliability, we align with the principle "as within, so without." This alignment magnetizes a community that resonates with our true selves—healthy, reciprocal, and abundant. The journey starts within, and the community we attract reflects the embodiment of our authentic essence.
What advice do you have for others who want to break through barriers?
What happens after enduring 500 years of negative programming? Yes of course there are still many systemic barriers working against us as a people, but let's be honest, the barriers confronting us individually exist within our minds. Our Elders wisely proclaim, "The longest journey for man is from his head to his heart." The contents of our mind represent a programmed version of ourselves—society's beliefs about us and our people. Yet, our hearts hold the truth. The reality is that the universe offers boundless possibilities. While Indigenous people and minorities face substantial challenges, our resilience is not without purpose; we are born warriors. Choosing to be Indigenous in this lifetime has a profound reason. It is imperative to grasp that the only obstacle hindering our ascension is the acceptance of the narratives the world imposed upon us. No more. The resurgence of Indigenous people is happening now, and the world is witnessing it. Warriors, it's time to rise.
How can GlobalMindED advance your goals as an inclusive leader?
GlobalMindED is an innovation network of inclusive leaders who are committed to creating the change we want to see in the world. Unifying the multi-dimension voices of the next generation of thought-leaders and change-makers is what is truly going to bring the shift we want to see in society. So it's an honor to me collaborate with GlobalMindED
One quote from your personal story you would like to highlight.
“I took my power back by turning my trauma into something magical”
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Highlights from the 2023 GlobalMindED Annual Conference this past June:
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PBS12 Denver filmed and live-streamed the 2023 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' introductions and acceptance remarks:
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
Click below to see Insights from GlobalMindED Leaders:
View the Main-stage Presentations:
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View the Sessions from our United Nations Event: Transforming Financial Boundaries |
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Carla Harris, Vice Chairman, Morgan Stanley and James Rhee, Founder/Owner, red helicopter
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Michael Maquet-Diafouka, Managing Director, Global Family and Institutional Wealth, UBS, Chris Marsh, Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor, UBS,Janet C. Salazar, Chairman & President, Foundation for the Support of the United Nations
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Tyler Naha, Student, Denver East High School, Dr. Mary Papazian, Exec. VP, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, Dr. Philomenta Mantella, President, Grand Valley State University, Dr. Yustina Saleh, Managing Director, Innovation Solutions, The Burning Glass Institute, Alfonzo Alexander, Chief Ethics & Diversity Officer, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
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Dr. D'Andre Weaver, Chief Digital Equity Officer, Digital Promise, Michael Woods, President, Woods Capital, the Honorable Dr. Kimberly McClain, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department HUD, Preston James, II, Co-Founder and CEO, Divinc, Gaby Rowe, Founding Principal, Grow Associates
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Dr. Craig Jonas, Founder and CEO, CoPeace, Victoria Vasques, Owner & Chairwoman, Tribal Tech LLC, Sachin Chaudhry, Founder and CEO, TrustCircle and BringChange Foundation, Kyle Hybl, President & CEO, El Pomar Foundation, Beth Cobert, Acting President, Markle Foundation
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Dr. Denise Lujan, Director, Entering Student Experience, University of Texas at El Paso, Javaune Adams-Gaston, President, Norfolk State University, Dr. David Miyashiro, Superintendent, Cajon Valley Union School District, Gina Fratarcangeli, Managing Director, Google, Shital C. Shah, Sr. Advisor, Strategic Partnerships, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Education
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Sam Lalanne, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion |
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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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