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.
Inspiring & Empowering the Next Generation of Black Girls and Women: African American Young Ladies Summit (AAYLS)

Dr. Plashan McCune is a Black Woman, First Generation to college, and an was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago - where poverty, violence, addiction, food and housing insecurity were part of her everyday life. Growing up in Englewood Chicago, Dr. McCune understood early on that education was her only way out. Dr. McCune’s professional career spans from being a Juvenile Detention Officer, teacher, school counselor, Foster Care Case Manager, Mental Health Therapist, Asst. Principal, High School Principal and School District Administrator. She is currently serving as the CEO of the Black Homeownership Project and the Executive Director of Higher Learning U Inc. where she leads the African American Young Ladies’ Summit Program (AAYLS Global.)

Dr. McCune moved to Denver over 11 years ago, she loved living in Denver and being a part of Denver Public Schools. As a school leader Dr. McCune felt that Denver was doing what made sense for all students and she was leading work that was making a difference in the lives of her staff and students in DPS. She was then asked to leave and help lead the work in Oakland California. After a few years in Oakland Dr. McCune returned to Denver in hopes of continuing to do the good work that she started. However, she came back to a very different environment. Things had gone backwards for staff and students of color, those things that made since were not present anymore. As a district leader she was faced with the daily reminders of the data that showed that all the minority students were declining, however, the Black Girls were on the bottom of this list. The academic, behavior and social emotional data showed that Black Girls were in jeopardy of a very dark future.

Dr. McCune, thought that there were other places in the district that were tasked to handle these types of challenges. Determined to fit it, she went in search of those departments and was told that she was lucky that there was a program for Black Boys. This response disturbed her greatly. After commiserating with a colleague Dr. Gregory Diggs, now deceased, she decided to be the answer. Her hopes were to create a one-time career day, bringing resources to the girls that included beautiful, intelligent women from all over Colorado together so that girls could see what was possible for them. Despite naysayers, numerous discouragements, setbacks and lack of funding the AAYLS Career Day happened. The career day that was predicted at minimum 50 girls was attended by over 160 girls. At that first Summit, the girls were asked what they needed to have a better life, what they needed from their community to succeed. They spoke and were heard. As a result of hearing and responding AAYLS is in its 6th year and just completed Summit VI. Summit VI was inspirational, community building, empowering and so much love. Since the first Summit, the Worthy of Love & Respect segment was added which brings in beautiful Black Men in order to create a safe space for girls to talk, dealing with those things on their hearts in a safe space created by men who care about their success.

AAYLS, has now reached thousands of girls and families. Dr. McCune credits the success of the program is a result of the whole the community coming together in support of Black Girls, my family and friends, school staff, school leaders, colleges and community individuals and groups coming together in love to support. Summit VI was featured on CBS4 News. AAYLS has a few more events coming up and would love the support of the Global Community, coming together to make it all amazing! The AAYLS Journey Through The Decades of Black Excellence Showcase is an excellent way for everyone to join in sharing their talents, gifts and resources in recognition and in demonstration of Black Excellence. The other events include the Global Leadership Retreat in Orlando, the Sista 2 Sista Mentoring Day in Denver and the Sisterhood Conference in Uganda. These events were all designed by girls in response to what the girls said they needed, supported by their community.

Dr. McCune’s hope is that the community of support continues to grow so that all children especially Black Children can grow up in safe communities that love and support them so they thrive. Because Black Girls Matter and the Black Community Matters!

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:

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