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.
Save the Date! GlobalMindED 2023 June 7-9 in Denver
Join College Delegations, First Gen/Diverse Students and Inclusive Leaders in Education, Business, Government and Foundations
Meet Native American Diana Marisa Moran - A Student's Perspective on the GlobalMindED Conference

We are honored to have partnerships with many Native American organizations, and that so many Native American leaders and students joined us at the First Gen Leadership Program and for the GlobalMindED conference this June.

What is your personal narrative? What challenges and major life moments have led you to where you are?

I was raised on the Rosebud reservation located in South Dakota. I am a Native American belonging to the Sicangu nation. I attempted to go to college out of state right after high school, but due to the culture shock I dropped out. Everything was so unfamiliar and the lack of community made it hard for me to function. This led to me moving back to the reservation. I enrolled in a local college, but I dropped out again this time for financial reasons. I worked various jobs then I found my purpose when I was hired at White Buffalo Calf Women’s Society. They are a shelter helping women, men, and children going through domestic violence or sexual abuse. I met so many strong and hardworking people and found purpose in the work I did.

At one point, I hit my wall. Like so many in this field we forget to take care of our mental health until it’s too late and we burn out. My life took a turn when my older brother passed away and left behind four kids with no one to raise them. My mom, sister and I gave up our jobs and homes and moved in together to raise the kids and be a support system for one another. We had to rebuild our family and moved to the Black Hills to heal and recover. I was working in Rapid City when the opportunity came up for me to finish college at Oglala Lakota College. I always loved computers and wanted to learn more and decided to get my degree in Information Technology.

What dreams and goals do you have for your future?

I want get my bachelor degree in Information Technology and look for a job near my home. Basically, to be financially stable for my family. One day I would love to have the ability to own my own home. I want to work with a non-profit program again. I feel a need to give back and want to help others.

How has being a part of the GlobalMindED community impacted you? How do you hope to continue growing and learning from this inclusive community?

This was my first time attending the GlobalMindED conference and I really needed it. I was losing my inspiration to keep on going and losing my direction. Hearing all these inspiring stories and meeting people from so many different backgrounds gave me more confidence in myself and who I am. I heard the quote at the conference, “your success is not defined by your situation”. This hit me hard. I struggle with limiting myself because of where I am at in life. I let my situation define the level of success I allow myself to have. It gave me hope to aim higher and to not be afraid of being successful.

What do you need from your community to be supported and transition into an inclusive professional?

I think a flexible schedule; my family has been through so much trauma and it takes a lot out of me to keep us stable. The support of family and friends has been the only reason I have been able to get through everything.
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