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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.
Sicangu Lakota Tribal Member Sparking Inclusive Conversations and Change: Meet Joshua Iron Shell

Hello my name is Joshua Iron Shell, my Lakota name is Cante Wanbli (ch-ahn-teh wahn-blee) which translates to Eagle Heart. I come from a small community called He Dog on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe which resides on the Rosebud Reservation in south central South Dakota. My tribal affiliation is Sicangu Lakota, but I carry blood from a variety of other Native nations. I went to high school at Saint Francis High School located in Saint Francis, South Dakota. I went on to receive a bachelor's degree in both psychology and criminology from the University of Denver this past June. Now I currently work at Saint Francis High School as a mental health counselor, where I work with students ranging from elementary all the way through high school, in hopes to promote not only academic success but also the student’s emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. 

What key moments defined you as a leader?

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of key moments that shaped me into a “leader” was when I was given the opportunity to speak at the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of Fort Laramie. What made it even more wholesome for me was the well-respected elders that reached out to me to talk at this event and their willingness to help in any way they could. It was bigger than anything I could have possibly imagined in my life, surrounded by the entire Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires) and the other tribes that were involved in the treaty. The main purpose of my speech was to express my point of view of the treaty, what it did and did not provide, and the issues it brought about to my people. I was blessed to see others have enough confidence in me to speak at such a huge historical event that has impacted so many.

Another key moment was during my time at college, where I was a Co-President at the university’s Native Student Alliance, a student-led organization. Attending a prestigious, private institution was a barrier in itself that students of color had to overcome in order to succeed. It was a difficult place to navigate and find a sense of home. My senior year, the group was able to receive a tipi and establish our presence on the campus. After one of our weekly meetings, we were told that the university was going to gather the tipi poles and store them in the proper area, as they are sacred. Unfortunately, the school did not do this and students who didn't understand their significance picked up these poles and damaged them. Some were located off-campus, but ultimately were scattered all throughout the school grounds.

The Native Student Alliance was able to plan and organize a community gathering where we planned to address the situation to the rest of the students and staff at the school. We were able to get the university’s chancellor and the board of trustees to attend. Not only were the Indigenous students able to address their concerns, but also the other minority students were given a place to speak on various matters. The Native Student Alliance was able to lead a discussion that revolved around how we can make the school better, safer, and more inclusive for everyone so they can find a sense of belonging. For me, this is one of the proudest moments I’ve ever been a part of, helping lead a conversation between the students and administrators in order to promote the success of everyone.

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

One event that I’ve been proud to have been a part of was the repatriation process, bringing my relatives from Carlisle Boarding School in Pennsylvania back home along with my peers. When I was younger, I was participating in a group called the Sicangu Youth Council, where we attended an annual leadership conference in Washington D.C. When we were on our way back home, we happened to stop by and visit this historical site. After spending our time there and finding out we have relatives still buried there, we thought why can’t we bring them back with us?

As time passed, this same group of committed young individuals along with the adults that remained supportive during the entire time were able to work with the government in our attempt to bring them back. Last summer in 2021, the original members of the Sicangu Youth Council were able to take the trip out to Pennsylvania. Through the proper cultural process, we began the journey back home. The national spotlight was on us, as we were one of the very first tribes to carry out the repatriation efforts and bring them back through the cooperation of the federal government. After a long and tiresome trip, we were able to commemorate the lives of our ancestors and give them the burial they rightfully deserved. This historical event also brings my tribe healing and closure for the wrongful acts that the government has carried out towards Indigenous people. This is easily something that will stay with me for the rest of my life and I’ll forever be proud of the group for committing themselves to such a huge topic like boarding schools.

How do you connect with your ancestral roots in your professional and personal life? 

My traditional way of life has always been a key factor in how I identify with myself. Growing up it was never difficult to go visit some friends and attend Inipi (sweat ceremony), or sundance, etc. The only time it became challenging to do so was when I left for college. I felt disconnected, lost in the modern world surrounded by buildings, people, and unhealthy habits. Through the friendships I made, I was able to reconnect with some of the cultural aspects that were once abundant in my everyday life.

Since moving back to the Rosebud Reservation, I’ve been trying to slowly include myself back into that scene and attend these ceremonies. One thing that has helped me tremendously was the sport of lacrosse. The traditional beliefs and values that revolve around this ancient event have allowed me to interact with old teammates who I consider my tiospaye (extended family) and reconnect with the landscape that my ancestors once roamed and thrived on. Through this I’ve been able to prioritize my health, my frame of mind, and most importantly, keeping my cultural practices alive. 

As an Indigenous leader, what motivates you to move forward in times of adversity? Where do you find your passion?

One major factor that helped me during difficult times was the thought of helping my family, friends, and community as a whole. College for me was a very difficult experience. There were times where I was so very close to leaving and never looking back. But every time I thought about it, I would think to myself “How could I help everyone if I quit now? What can I do to make this up?” During those times I felt helpless and alone, not knowing what to do or what my future had in store for me. Those thoughts of providing aid for my community ultimately provided me with the strength I needed in order to succeed in college and graduate. I found passion in these challenging times, where I would think in the ways I could bring the best version of myself to those who need it the most.

Ever since I can remember as a young, ambitious rez-kid, I wanted to bring hope to those who needed change. Change in their lifestyle, their parent’s lifestyle, and the common lifestyle that’s carried out everyday on the reservation. I find that I bring the best out of myself when I think about others, those that I spent my early years with, those that my friends and family spend their time with, and those that aren’t here with us but people still think about. I know that where I am at now in my life would not have been possible without the support of my family and friends, and I hope I can do the same in giving back that same passion that fuels me everyday.

What do you see yourself doing in the future? Next five years? Ten? 

In all honesty, I’m not too sure where I see myself and what I see myself doing. The time I’m taking right now for myself, I’m hoping will help determine what I want to do. One thing for sure is that I want to attend graduate school, hopefully to try and receive a degree in forensic psychology or child development. My mind has always been on giving back to the community that helped raise and shape me into who I am as a person. Whether that’s through forensic psychology in hopes of aiding law enforcement or through child development in my attempt to promote more resources that are focused on promoting youth success. All I want to do is give back to my community and show them that the same support they provided me will be reciprocated to the future generations and in some way advance our society to be more sufficient for our people. 
Join us in Denver June 7-9 for GlobalMindED 2023
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To get a feel for the conference experience, please see this brief video by The PhD Project from the 2022 GlobalMindED Conference
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Social Justice and Equity:
A constant evolution but we still haven’t hit the mark!
Tuesday January 24th 4:00 EST
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Some of the original social justice conversations began in the 19th century during the Industrial Revolution to promote more egalitarian societies and reduce the exploitation of certain marginalized groups due great disparities between the rich and poor. Today, social justice has shifted towards a stronger emphasis on human rights and improving the lives of disadvantaged and marginalized groups that have historically faced discrimination in society. We continue to see and experience discrimination based on race, sex, age, wealth, ethnicity, heritage, social status, religion, and others. 

Social justice and equity work is still all too common and very necessary. Even in the context of a pandemic, after the murder of George Floyd people spilled into the streets to protest police violence, racial discrimination, and the scourge of white supremacy. The United States recorded its largest protests in the history of the country’s existence. Join Equity and Social Justice leaders to discuss where we are, what has changed, and where we should be going to realize country where thriving is a right and not a privilege.  

Led by Dr. Ryan Ross with Emily Shamsid-Deen; Principal, ESD Consulting, Keith Station; Deputy Chief of Staff—Diversity, Equity & Inclusion City of Omaha Mayor’s Office, Lana Hailemariam; Chief Executive Officer, StandUP, LLC, Reiland Rabaka; Founder and Director, Center for African and African American Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, and Dr. Roberto Montoya; Chief Educational Equity Officer Colorado Department of Higher Education.

See bios below
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: 
 
  • 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. 
  • Our fourth annual Inclusive Leader Awards recognized 15 DEIB leaders across sectors.
  • Almost all our 100+ panels and sessions of 2022 featured a student. 
  • Of the 300+ speakers, 73% were diverse leaders sharing their thoughts. 
  • 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. 
  • Our first satellite event at Georgia Institute of Tech was livestreamed via the Atlanta PBS affiliate. 
  • 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. 
  • We spoke at the White House Initiative for HBCUs with sponsor Hewlett Packard. 
  • Our team, Board, Colorado Board and Executive Leadership Council are all majority diverse serving a majority diverse population of emerging leaders. 
  • 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. 
  • We doubled our staff from four to eight as we grow to scale our impact. 
  • 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. 
  • 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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