First Gen Student to Purdue PhD in Mathematics, Leveraging his Privilege to Create Opportunity for All: Meet Dr. Nate Brown

Today Nate Brown shares his experiences and life story with us. Nate is a first-generation to college student who ended up not only receiving an undergraduate degree, but also a PhD in mathematics from Purdue University. He has since gone on to share his views towards mathematics in TedTalks, support access to STEM for students, and is a professor at Penn State.

Nate, what is your personal narrative? What key moments in your life led you to where you are?

I come from a large, loving family. As a child I was taught that evolution via natural selection is a lie propagated by scientists who are either delusional or deceitful. In my community, positions of power were held almost exclusively by white men, and this was considered the natural order. Sexist, racist “jokes” were common.

In other words, my childhood was just like millions of other kids in the United States. But unlike many, I was lucky enough to encounter other people and perspectives. As a first-gen college student I met talented students that didn’t look like me. In graduate school I met international scholars who were shocked by our social, political, and religious norms. I was forced to critically examine my own beliefs and biases because lots of smart people had very different views. My adult life has been characterized by reflection and course-correction, an ongoing, humbling process which I hope will make me a better person.

As a QSIDE Affiliate, how are you engaging with and studying DEI? How can others support this work and get involved? 

The institute for the Quantitative Study of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (QSIDE) is a fearless organization led by an amazing couple: Drs. Chad Topaz and Jude Higdon. They have led a variety of research projects, from racial inequity in our criminal justice system to (lack of) representation in the arts. As a QSIDE Affiliate, I’m collaborating on a project to assess the impact of introductory college-level STEM courses such as calculus on (the lack of) diversity in STEM fields. Analyzing academic transcripts from over 150k students at 8 major research universities, we found strong evidence that these introductory courses disproportionately weed-out underrepresented students. I hope everyone interested in this work will visit their website and consider supporting QSIDE in any way they can.

What is the "Math People Myth" and how are you working to break this stigma? 

I am a theoretical mathematician by trade with 20+ years of experience proving and publishing new theorems. Over the years I began to realize that research mathematicians are an isolated community in academia, much like my childhood community was isolated from the rest of the world. It was like déjà vu.

I’m now committed to identifying and challenging the myths we mathematicians propagate, particularly when they disproportionately impact underrepresented students. The ‘math-people’ myth is but one example. Many people in the United States believe they aren’t a ‘math person’, meaning they lack the innate ability to succeed in math. This widespread belief that a person either is or isn’t born a ‘math person’ reflects what social psychologists call a fixed mindset. But nobody is born with an ability to do calculus, for instance, it’s a skill developed over many years via practice and persistence. Sure, some people learn it faster than others, but everyone has the capacity to learn calculus if given enough time and proper instruction. Seriously, everyone.

What advice would you give to future Inclusive Inspirational Leaders?

I only have advice for people like me: white men in STEM. In the words of Dr. Bettina Love, ¨don’t be an ally -- be a co-conspirator¨. Allies have read the books, know the right words, and show up for peaceful rallies and protests. Co-conspirators leverage their privilege, taking risks to fight for basic human rights that aren’t extended to all.

Do you have a creepy co-worker whose casual flirtation makes women feel uncomfortable? An ally supports the victims; a co-conspirator confronts the creep. Got a boss who privately ‘jokes’ about or denigrates minoritized groups? An ally befriends black and brown colleagues in hopes they feel comfortable in the workplace; a co-conspirator reports the boss to HR.

As white men in STEM, our risk is a fraction of that faced by women and colleagues of color. More than any other group, white men in STEM have the power to change culture and institutions, if we can just summon the courage to be co-conspirators.

Meet several of Nate's colleagues from Penn State, including our STEM Equity Leader, Paula Garcia Todd, and several other speakers and students at GlobalMindED June 23-24, details below. You can him on our recent STEM panel with Paula and others here: The Role Universities Play in Creating a Diverse STEM Workforce
Join us for 7th Annual GlobalMindED in Denver
June 22 Pre-Conferences
June 22 GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award Dinner
June 23-24 Conference,
Industry Marketplace Career Exploration 1:30-3:30 June 24

The most diverse Ed/DEI, business, government, tech, health, STEM conference with First Gen to college students in attendance. Sign up to join for all or part below:
  
Please find the following information: 
  • Conference slated panel leaders, confirmed sessions, event details and tracks
  • PhD Project featured speakers; a sample of diverse leaders gathered and partners
  • Strong Student Voice- Students will be participating in the majority of panels
  • 65% of speakers and attendees are diverse, representing Native American, African/American, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific Islander, Ability Status, LBGTQIA+, Veteran and Military inclusive leaders 
  • Sponsors dedicated to creating a capable, diverse talent pipeline 
 
Conference registration: 
  • Option 1: Conference Pass - general admission is $495. This ticket includes admission to: Pre-Conference workshop on June 22; Welcome Reception (5-7pm) on June 22; two days of the conference on June 23-24. Register here and select "Conference Pass" option. 
  • Option 2: Conference Pass + Inclusive Leader Awards Dinner - general conference + dinner admission is $595. This ticket includes admission to: Pre-Conference workshop on June 22; Welcome Reception and Inclusive Leader Awards Dinner on June 22 (5-9pm); two days of the conference on June 23-24. Register here and select "Conference Pass & Awards Dinner (Individual)" option
  • First Gen Students to participate in the Student Leadership Program and attend the conference ($250). Register here and select "First Gen Fellow" option. 
  • Accommodations: hotel rooms are available at the group rate during the event: https://book.passkey.com/event/50206819/owner/3130/home


Topics and Panel leaders:
Featured PhD Project speakers joining us at GlobalMindED:
WATCH RECENT HEALTH, K-12, HIGHER ED AND STEM EVENTS
Watch The Role Universities Play in Creating a Diverse STEM Workforce

Paula Garcia Todd; Global Strategic Marketing Manager Pharma Solutions, IFF, American Academy for the Advancement of Science IF/THEN She Can STEM Ambassador leads the conversation with Dr. Nathanial Brown; Professor of Math, Penn State University, Dr. Tamara Floyd Smith; Associate Provost, Tuskegee University and Professor of Chemical Engineering, Errika Moore; Executive Director, STEM Funders Network, and Kyra Welch; Psychology Student, Bethune Cookman University
Watch Women Leaders for Health Equity

Carol Carter, CEO GlobalMindED leads the conversation with Dr. Anna Landau; Clinical Assistant Professor, Banner-University Medical Center, Dr. Timian Godfrey; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Arizona, Dr. Tarnia Newton; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Arizona, and Dr. Lisa Kiser; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Arizona.
Watch Celebrating Outstanding K-12 Female Educators

Dr. Paul Miller; Principal and CEO, Green Tech High Charter School leads the conversation with Yomika Bennett; Executive Director, New York Charter Schools Association, Dr. Plashan McCune CEO; Higher Learning LLC, Jade Tinner; Founder, One Unified Resource Foundation, and Madison Hays; Math Teacher, Madrid, Spain; Editor, GlobalMindED
Watch Taking the Cape Off: Getting Real with Women CEOs

Dr. Ryan Ross Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity, & Inclusion Colorado Community College System leads the conversation with Janet Salazar President, Foundation for the Support of the UN, Dr. Angie Paccione Executive Director, Colorado Department of Higher Education, Simone D. Ross CEO, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Jessica Rothenberg-Aalami CEO, Founder, Cell-Ed, and Karen Ashworth-Macfarlane Co-Founder and CEO, Digame Spirits PBC
Watch Building the Talent Pipeline: Girls and Women in STEM

Paula Garcia Todd; Global Strategic Marketing Manager Pharma Solutions, IFF and AAAS If/Then she/can STEM Ambassador leads the conversation with Danisha Allen; Senior Program Manager, VIZIO, Vitoria Moreno-Costa; Process Safety Management Engineer IFF Health & Biosciences, Claire Meaders; Assistant Teaching Professor, Cell & Developmental Biology University of California San Diego and AAAS If/Then she/can STEM Ambassador, and Samyukta Iyer Senior, Wheeler High School Center for Advanced Studies
Complete Listing of STEM and Community College Month Profiles:

As April comes to a close, we summarize the STEM Stars and Community College heroes- men and women who have made an impact in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) providing inspiration, motivation, and sparking curiosity among their students, peers, and our readers. We also honored community colleges heroes and the invaluable institutions which are the educational backbone of our country (About 44% of students enrolled in higher education were community college students - Columbia Teachers College data) - giving a home, hope, and valuable skills and training to to so many who wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to attend higher education. Please read and share with your colleagues:

Complete Listing of Women's History Month profiles
Recap of Black History Month
GlobalMindED Black History Month Equity Events:
Watch The Long Tail of COVID: Impact On Health, Livelihood, and Wellness for African Americans

Dr. Monique Butler; Chief Medical Officer, HCA Healthcare, and Dr. Pierre Theodore; VP Global External Innovation, Johnson & Johnson lead the conversation with Dr. Sheila Davis; Director of Health Equity, State of Colorado, Dr. Stacie Walton; CEO, The Diversity Doctor, and student Olamide Ogunnika; Nursing Student, San Jacinto College
Watch Building the Talent Pipeline; Black Students In STEM
Paula Garcia Todd; Global Strategic Marketing Manager, Pharma Solutions IFF and AAAS IF/THEN STEM Ambassador leads the conversation with Jason Raines; PD designer, STEM expert, Dr. Janne Hall; Adjunct Professor, Texas Southern University, Kwesi A. Vincent; STEM Educator, The Workshop School, and Sokhna Wane; Senior Computer Science Student, The Pennsylvania State University Building the Talent Pipeline; Black Students In STEM
Watch Why We Need More Educators of Color

Dr. Paul Miller; Principal and CEO, Green Tech High Charter School leads the discussion with Michael Logan; Instructor, The Fortune Society, Dr. Makini Beck; Assistant Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology, Dr. Rita Carol Gaither; Educational Consultant and Founder, Pearl Resources, and Dr. Brent Mitchell; Executive Vice President, The Sonny Walker Group
Watch Black History Month: Relevance, Reality, and Celebration; Perspectives from Those Doing the Work

Dr. Ryan Ross; Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity & Inclusion, with Dr. Vern L. Howard; Chairman Dr. MLK Jr Colorado Holiday Commission, Kimberly Grayson; Principal, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College, and Omar Montgomery; Director of Equity, Culture, and Community Engagement, Cherry Creek School District
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative just launched the Science Diversity Leadership program, which aims to increase representation among early career faculty in the biomedical sciences and related engineering.  The grants are for $1M over 5 years and can be used for both research and outreach efforts. Applications accepted now through May 19, 2022.
See the website for details and application process.
GlobalMindED 2021 Year In Review

As COVID kept us inside and productive, we continued to pivot to meet the needs of our partners, constituents, colleges, and the students we serve. Here is a summary of our year and our outcomes:
     
  • Second Year Virtual - 2021 GlobalMindED Conference over 10 weeks with 226 diverse leaders. Launched with Earth Week in April and concluded in late June. Presented 46 sessions the majority of which were led by people of color featuring students/panelists. Sessions averaged 100 virtual registrants each and garnered 5,500+ views on YouTube.

  • Conducted 41 Virtual Equity Sessions with 205 diverse leaders which aired monthly in Health, Tech, STEM, K-12 Higher Education and Foundations and Funders with viewers including students, staff, faculty, and corporate partners attending to learn how to be more culturally responsive, direct and positive resolving some of our most difficult equity issues across the disciplines. Sessions averaged 80 registrants each and garnered 6,300+ YouTube views.

  • 2021 Inclusive Leader Awards (virtual). 2,500+ signed up to watch live and 1,000+ viewed on YouTube. These dynamic, diverse, inclusive leaders across 15 sectors, introduced by the 2020 winners are the mega role models for the students we serve. Watch the trailer and full event.

  • Served 400+ First Gen students nationally through individual students at 26 colleges and 10 college specific collaboratives (4 Hispanic Serving Institutions, 3 Historically Black Colleges, 1 Native American Serving college, and 2 state colleges serving primarily First Gen to college students). Some colleges selected the Strong Summer Start Leadership Programs, some chose self-directed KEYS to SUCCESS content, some selected coaching training and others deployed GlobalMindED professional mentors to guide their students in personal and business skills. Several college partners leveraged all these resources for their First Gen, diverse and minoritized freshmen virtually during COVID. The basis of these results provides the foundation for our work in 2022, delivering colleges the option of an integrated program that provides the bridge into college, leadership training, freshmen year success, and professional guidance from diverse business leaders serving as mentors.

  • Published our First Gen Student Leaders Speak report with Every Learner Everywhere in May. 25 First Gen GlobalMindED Ambassadors shared their insights for college presidents, policy makers and CEO’s – their needs, COVID impacted struggles, their hope for the future, and what services they want.

  • Published 365 daily newsletters of the diverse role models who are the examples for the students we serve, with cumulative views of 4,000,000+ readers in all social media channels.

  • Led 10 sessions virtually with partners from GlobalMindED’s network of leaders: Davos with FQ, the World Education Summit, the World Academy of Art and Science Future of Education Summit, Female Quotient Africa International Dinner, Points of Light Foundation Corporate Service Council Opening Session, United Nations 76th Anniversary, Pearson Gulf Region Training, ASU Remote, Grantmakers for Education annual conference, and launch of the Amazon Board Bound Diverse Board Series.

  • Virtual Events this year in all channels. 10,400+ registrants + 12,800+ YouTube = 23,200+ viewers.

Join us at our LIVE conference in June to connect First Gen, diverse, minoritized and poverty affected students to the “hidden curriculum,” role models, experiences, internships, and jobs. Our technology team is masterminding the AI to scale these programs.

We are grateful to our sponsors, individual donors, GlobalMindED Board members, Executive Leadership Council, and each of our committees and advisory teams who made the initiatives above possible, especially the expansion of college-specific student programs during COVID times. We also thank our business mentors who dedicated countless hours helping GlobalMindED students succeed by providing a much-needed professional bridge from academia to the world of work, inclusive leadership, and financial security.
Watch the Inclusive Leader Awards to hear their inspiring stories
and thoughts on what actions are needed now to create a more diverse, inclusive, just, and equitable future.
Watch "Closing the Equity Gap: How Global Leaders Can Take Action"
Panel Leader: Carol Carter, Founder and CEO of GlobalMindED with panelists Karen Worstell, Senior Cybersecurity Strategist, VMWare, Karen Ashworth-MacFarlane, Women of Wall Street and CEO/Co-founder, Digame PBC, Raquel Tamez, Esq. Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer, Charles River Associates International, and Harini Gokul, Leader, Customer Success, Amazon Web Service.
Watch "Energizing, Invigorating, and Supporting K-12 STEM Students"
Dr. Paul Miller; Principal and CEO, Green Tech High Charter School and Paula Garcia Todd; Global Strategic Marketing Manager, Pharma Solutions, IFF & AAAS IF/THEN STEM Ambassador lead the discussion with Dr. Dana C. Giles; Principal, Pebblebrook High School, Jason Coleman;
Co-Founder/Executive Director, Project SYNCERE, Pastor Lyndrell Randle; STEM teacher, Green Tech Middle School, and Jennifer Makins; Director of STEM Education, Parish Episcopal School
Join our monthly equity events in STEM, Higher Education, K-12 Education, Health, and Board Diversity. See past sessions below.
Watch "Various Pathways to Get to a STEM Career"
Dr. Ryan Ross; Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity, & Inclusion, Colorado Community College System - an educator, speaker, and actualization coach and Paula Garcia Todd; Global Strategic Marketing Manager, Pharma Solutions, IFF & AAAS IF/THEN STEM Ambassador - passionate about helping schools and organizations introduce STEM to children with Dr. Siobahn Day Grady; North Carolina A&T - advocates for more women and minorities in computer science, Toi Massey; Founder & CEO ANM Innovative Solutions - Her Speak series includes Success on Purpose and Think Like a Girl, Eric Knapp; DeKalb County Schools - brings classrooms, communities and corporations together, and Jason Pugh; Gensler, President of the National Organization of Minority Architects - passion for helping underserved communities.
Watch "Native American Education"

Ron Lessard, Executive Director for the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education, this year's Inclusive Leader Award winner, Julian Guerrero Jr.; enrolled citizen of the Comanche Nation, Director of the Office of Indian Education, U.S. Department of Education, and Dr. Donna Sabis-Burns, Ph.D.; Mohawk, Supervisory Education Program Specialist, Office of Indian Education, U.S. Department of Education join discussion lead by Dr. Paul Miller; Principal and CEO Green Tech High Charter School
Watch "Courageous Conversations: The Real Indigenous Experience"
Dr. Ryan Ross; Assoc. V. Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity, & Inclusion, Colorado Community College System leads the discussion with Dr. Cheryl Crazy Bull; President and CEO, American Indian College Fund, Jameson D. Lopez; Asst. Professor, Educational Policy Studies and Practice, University of Arizona, and Jasmine Neosh; Undergraduate Researcher, College of the Menominee Nation, Sustainable Development Institute
Watch "Building Allies for Diversity in STEM"

Paula Garcia Todd; Global Strategic Marketing Manager, Pharma Solutions, IFF & AAAS IF/THEN STEM Ambassador leads the discussion with Dr. Helen Tran; Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Dr. Indara Suarez; Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Boston University, Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler; Director, Accessible Technology & DO-IT, University of Washington, and Anthony Newton; MSFT Alumni, Entrepreneur, Owner, Ancott
Watch "The Impact of Board Diversity"
Daryle Whyte; District Sales Manager, Amazon Web Services Startups at AWS leads the discussion with Sheldon Gilbert; Founder & CEO, Proclivity, Harini Gokul; Customer Success Leader (Global Cloud Strategy & Digital Transformation, Amazon Web Services, and Carol Carter; Founder & CEO, GlobalMindED
Watch Improving STEM Identities in Diverse Students
Paula Garcia Todd; Global Strategic Marketing Manager, Pharma Solutions, IFF and AAAS IF/THEN STEM Ambassador leads this panel with Robert Koch; Board President of REACH, S&P Global Platts, Aisha Lawrey; Training & Certification Global Lead for Education Programs, Amazon Web Services, Dr. Eric J. Jolly; President and CEO, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, and Maria Reyes; Dean of Industry and Public Service, Phoenix College
Watch Educated Mindset: Mental Toughness
Dr. Paul Miller; Principal and CEO, Green Tech High Charter School leads the discussion with Keith L. Brown; Lead Consultant/Speaker, 2020 Enterprises and The I’m Possible Institute, SaJade Miller; Superintendent, Rocketship Public Schools, Texas, Olus R. Holder, Jr.; Executive Pastor, Fallbrook Church, and Erika Twani; CEO & Co-Founder, Learning One to One
Watch Facts Versus Fiction: Critical Race Theory and its Role in our Current Conversations on Race, Equity, & Justice
Dr. Ryan Ross; Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity, & Inclusion, Colorado Community College System leads the conversation with Omar Montgomery; Director of Equity, Culture, and Community Engagement, Cherry Creek School District, Regan Byrd; Founder and Principal Consultant, Regan Byrd Consulting LLC, and Dr. Dedrick Sims; CEO, Sims-Fayola Foundation
Watch "Mental Health and Resilience in Unscripted Times" Health Equity
Health Equity Session - Dr. Pierre Theodore; VP Global
External Innovation Johnson & Johnson leads the discussion with Liz Sweigart; Partner, PWC, workplace mental health advocate, Ron Lessard; Acting Executive Director, White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education, Gurchaten Sandhu; President, UN GLOBE Program Officer of Non-Discrimination, International Labor Org. and Josh Lee; Principal, Life Sciences and Health Care, Deloitte Consulting
Watch "Building the Talent Pipeline:
Hispanic/Latinx Students in STEM"
STEM Equity Session - Paula Garcia Todd; Global Strategic Marketing Manager, Pharma Solutions, IFF and AAAS IF/THEN STEM Ambassador leads the conversation with Dr. Patricia Silveyra; Assoc. Professor
Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University, Mr. Aaron Cortes; Director, STEM initiatives, Center for College Access and Success, Northeastern Illinois Univ., Mr. Randy Blanco; Engineering senior, Penn State University, student officer SHPE, and Dr. Minerva Cordero; Senior Assoc. Dean, Research & Grad. Affairs, University of Texas at Arlington
Watch "Lifting the Hood on Disability Services—Time for a Tune Up!"
Higher Ed Equity Session - Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable Moderated by Dr. Ryan Ross; Assoc. Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity, & Inclusion, Colorado Community College System, Lesley Owens-Pelton; Director, Office of Disability Services, Susquehanna University, Catherine A. Carlson; Director, Office of Accessibility Services, Columbia-Greene Community College, and Emily Perry; Access & Equity Services Professional, Colorado Community College Online
Watch "New Beginnings: Starting School and Staying Safe in Uncertain Times"
K-12 Equity Session - Dr. Paul Miller; Principal and CEO,
Green Tech High Charter School, Lashara Evans; Principal, Flower City School, Crystal Andrews; Principal
Chimneyrock Elementary, and Dr. Shango A. Blake; CEO, TRU SK Consultants share their experiences and insights.
To view the complete Reboot Resilience to Rebound Remarkable GlobalMindED 2021 events see below which we call The Best of GlobalMindED IDE Programs in One Hour or Less!
All GlobalMindED 2021 events are also on our YouTube channel. 
FIRST GEN WEEK
First Gen Role Models: What Does Success, Inclusive Leadership and Contribution Look Like?
Merritt McKenzie; President, Therapy / Applied Behavior Analysis Division, Aveanna Healthcare moderates the panel discussion with Zuleika Johnson; VP of Opportunity and Outreach, El Pomar Foundation, Vanecia Kerr; Chief Impact Officer, Mile High United Way, Kwesi Edwards; Board Member, Foundation for California Community Colleges, Lan Phan; Founder & CEO, Community of SEVEN, Anthony Newton; Microsoft Alumni Entrepreneur, Owner, Ancott, and Serita Liles; Senior Intern Coordinator, North Carolina A&T State University
What Industry Leaders Look for in Students/Graduates: Inside Secrets for Promotion Pathway Success
Ken Epps; CEO, ThreeNineteen moderates this panel with Ken McNeely; President, Western Region AT&T, Kathleen Schaum; Executive Director, University Talent Acquisition, KPMG, Guy Primus; CEO, Valence Community, Al Baker; Vice President, Siemens Enterprise Communications and Steve Zimba; Founder & CEO, Nulia
Where Are They Now? First Gen Leaders’ Insights as Young Professionals
Rocio Perez; Inclusion and Diversity Thought Leader and Trainer, Inventiva Consulting leads the panel discussion with Nima Shahab Shahmir; Application Developer, TC Energy, Betty Hailu; Research Assistant, George Washington University, Conner Sturgeon; Graduate Supervisor, Indiana University Residential Programs, and Amelia Mawlawi; Global Product Manager, HP
How to Be a Mentor and How to Be Mentored
Kwame Johnson; President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta leads the panel with GlobalMindED Ambassadors and mentors Shannon Stone; Senior Relationship Manager, AMG National Trust Bank, Hector Ramos Diaz; Mathematics Student, University of Portland, Yonus Harris, Aerospace Engineering student, University of Michigan, and Phuong Dinh; Population Health Program, Manager, University of Colorado Medicine
GlobalMindED/Every Learner Everywhere First Gen Student Ambassadors: Freshman Year Success Secrets
Alicia Sepulveda, PhD; Academic Coach, University of Colorado, Boulder leads the discussion with Tomozia Graves; Peer Advising Assistant and recent graduate, Harford Community College, Hannah Petronek; Undergraduate Research Assistant, recent graduate West Virginia University, and Sochima Ifedikwa; Computer Science Student, Texas Tech Student, Texas Tech
HEALTH WEEK
Isolation to Compassionate Connection, How Organizations Support Their Employees in Crisis and Beyond
Liz Sweigart, PhD; Partner, PwC leads the discussion with Zachary S. Nunn; Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Impact, SurveyMonkey, Tilak Mandadi; EVP, Digital & Global Chief Technology Officer, Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Lizette Ojeda, PhD; Founder, Work-Life Lab, Texas A&M University, Lisa Giuroiu; Vice President, Pharma & Life Sciences, Susan G. Komen, and Conner Sturgeon; Graduate Supervisor, Indiana University
Emerging Covid Strong: Resilient Connections and the Indomitable Spirit
Dr. Paul Miller; Principal and CEO, Green Tech High Charter School leads the discussion with Dr. Marck Abraham; CEO, MEA Consulting and Principal, Buffalo Public Schools, Rina Patel; Founder & CEO, The Thinkers, Dr. Joe Martin; Founder and Creator, Real Men Connect, and Dr. Latoya Johnson; Special Education Coordinator, Green Tech High Charter School
Women and Alcohol: Epidemic in a Pandemic
Ann Dowsett Johnston; Bestselling Author: Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol, moderates the discussion with Lisa F. Smith; Author: Girl Walks Out of a Bar, Saumya Bharat; Biology student, Georgia State, University, Monica Swahn; Dean, Wellstar College of Health & Human Services, Kennesaw State University, and Harshita Yepuri; Graduate Neuroscience Student, Georgia State University
Growing the Diverse Talent Pipeline Across the Health Professions
Carol Carter, Founder, GlobalMindED leads this panel discussion with Merritt McKenzie; President, Therapy/Applied Behavior Analysis Division, Aveanna Healthcare, Dr. Connie Kim Yen Nguyen-Truong, Assistant Professor, Washington State University, Dr. Sameer Sood; Primary Care Physician, Strive Health, Dr. Dula F. Pacquiao; Professor Emerita, Rutgers University, and student Hana Mawlawi; Colorado School of Mines
NSF INCLUDES WEEK
Next Steps for Increasing Minority Representation in Engineering: Systemic Change
Dr. Miguel Velez-Reyes; Professor and Chair, University of Texas at El Paso, Dr. Peter Romine; Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering & Computer Engineering, Navajo Technical University, Nader Vadiee; Professor, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Dr. Mohamed Chouikha; Executive Professor and Executive Director, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Prairie View A&M University
NSF Includes and Other Broadening Participation Initiatives
Dr. Don Millard; Deputy Division Director, National Science Foundation, Dr. Christine Grant, Associate Dean Faculty Advancement, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NC State, and Dr. Tori Rhouloc Smith, Program Director, National Science Foundation
Diversifying Engineering - Deans’ Perspectives
Dr. Clay Gloster, Jr.; Dean of the Graduate College, North Carolina A&T State University moderates the discussion with Dr. Preselfannie E. Whitfield McDaniels; Dean, Div. of Graduate Studies, Jackson State University, Dr. Dana A. Williams; Dean of the Graduate School, Howard University, Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr.; Dean, School of Engineering, Morgan State University, and Dr. Stephanie G. Adams; Dean, School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas, Dallas
Ubuntu: A Non-Western Perspective on How Collective Impact Can Broaden Participation in STEM
Moderator Dr. Kemi Ladeji-Osias; Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Morgan State University interviews Keynote speaker Dr. Ivory Toldson; President and CEO, Quality Education for Minorities Network
Diversifying Engineering: An Industry Perspective
Dr. Kenneth Connor; Professor EMeritus, ELectrical, Computer & Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Danyel Wimberly; Senior Director, NetApp, Victor S. Gavin; Head of Federal Technology Vision and Business Development, Amazon Web Services, Robin Getz; Director of Systems Engineering; Analog devices, Toffee Coleman; Global Sales & marketing manager, Fluke corporation, Tim Shepard; Vice president, Business development strategy & operations, Lockheed Martin Space
Innovations in the Engineering Curriculum: K-12 College Pathways
Dr. Kamal Ali; Professor, Jackson State University, Dr. Brittany Chambers; Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility, Verizon, Dr. Vemitra White; Education Specialist, NASA Marshall & Stennis Space Flight Centers, Dr. Oludare Owolabi; Assistant Professor, Morgan State University, Dr. Adam Carberry; Associate Professor, Arizona State University, Dr. Medha Dalal; Postdoctorate Research Scholar, Arizona State University
Success and Education in Graduate Mentoring
Dr. Clay Gloster Jr.; Dean, North Carolina A&T State University ; Keynote Speaker: Howard Adams; Founder and President H.G. Adams and Associates
Women in Engineering: Increasing Representation
Dr. Cindy Ziker; Executive Director, Ziker Research, Panelist: Dr. Cheryl Talley; Professor of Psychology at Virginia State University, Panelist: Dr. Heather Metcalf; Director of Research and Constituent Relations, Women in Engineering ProActive Network, Panelist: Dr. Roberta Rincon; Assoc. Director of Research, Society of Women Engineers, Panelist: Dr. Rochelle Williams; Sr. Director of Programs, National Society of Black Engineers
Broadening Participation in the Engineering Pathway: Research on Critical Transitions
Dr. Cindy Ziker ; Executive Director, Ziker Research, Panelist: Dr. Steve Efe ; Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering at Morgan State University, Panelist: Dr. Pamela Leigh-Mack; Professor & Chair, Department of Engineering at Virginia State University, Panelist: Dr. Julius Davis; Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, Bowie State University
Creating a Climate for Post Pandemic Success for Minorities in Engineering
Keynote address by Dr. Gregory Washington, President of George Mason University
STEM Around the World: Student Led Success
Aaron Aaron Cortes; Northeastern Illinois University, Alexandra Agudelo Ruiz; Secretary of Education for Medellin, Columbia, Cüong Trän; NASA Electrical Power Systems Engineer, Dr. Alyssa Lenhoff-Briggs; Director of STEM Learning Ecosystems; Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM, Jen Iriti; STEM Push Network, and Matthew Cua; Director of Innovation Help, NGO
ONE HE GLOBAL HIGHER ED WEEK
Person-Centered Learning: Teaching the Skills Needed to Support People
Olivia Fleming; Founder & Director of Partnerships, OneHE moderates the conversation with Dr. Erik Blair; Senior Lecturer, Higher Education Research and Practice, University of West London, Dr. Julie Hulme; reader in Psychology, Keele University, Cleo Keeling Ball; BSc (Hons) Psychology student, Keele University, and Emma Crabb; student, Keele University
Equity Unbound: Building Online Communities
Dr. Mia Zamora; Associate Professor of English, Kean University, Dr. Maha Bali; Associate Professor, American University in Cairo, Autumm Caines; Instructional Designer, University of Michigan
The Future of Higher Education: A Global Perspective
Olivia Fleming; Founder & Director of Partnerships, OneHE leads the conversation with Dr. Hilligje van’t Land; Secretary General International Association of Universities, Warren Kennard; Founder & CEO ConnectED, and Dr. C. Edward Watson; CIO and Associate VP, Association of American Colleges and Universities
Creating an Inclusive Community - New Faculty and Radical Empathy
Olivia Fleming; Founder & Director of Partnerships, OneHE leads the discussion with Dr. Terri Givens; Founder and CEO of Brighter Higher Education, Devin Gaines; Account Executive, SurveyMonkey, and Chantelle George; Founder and CEO of CG Consulting
Develop a Growth Mindset in Students: The Challenge and How to Meet It
Olivia Fleming; Founder & Director of Partnerships, OneHE leads the conversation with Dr. Steve Joordens; Full Professor University of Toronto, Scarborough, and Nadeem Abdi; 3rd Year Neuroscience Student, University of Toronto, Scarborough
HIGHER EDUCATION WEEK
Latinos as Inclusive Leaders in Higher Ed - Working with All People Creates the Strongest Latino Leaders
Jose R. Rodriguez; Partner (ret.), KPMG LLP leads the discussion with David Lopez; First Gen Student, University of Colorado Boulder, Dr. Donna Blancero, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs Bentley University, Jeffrey Vargas; President & CEO Generationology, Dr. Cristina Alfaro; Assoc. VP for International Affairs, San Diego State University, and Carlos Contreras; Sr. Dir. Americas, Global Partnership and Initiatives Intel Corporation
Infusing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Across the Curriculum: How and Now
Dr. Susan Swayze; Founder & CEO, Diversity Think Tank leads discussion with Nadia N. Butt; Doctoral Student, The George Washington University, Dr. Wendy Cukier; Founder and Director, Diversity Institute, Ryerson University, Dr. Terri Hinkley; CEO, Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses, and Dr. Arlen Meyers; President and CEO, Society of Physician Entrepreneurs
HBCUs Leading Innovation, Inclusivity, and Ingenuity: Defining the New Normal Post COVID
Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover; President, Tennessee State University leads the discussion with Bernie Milano; Founder, PhD Project, Cece Rodgers; Student, Tougaloo College, and Dr. Harold Lee Martin Senior; Chancellor, North Carolina A & T State University.
Inclusive HR Directors Improve Life for Higher Ed: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes on College Campuses
Dr. Ryan Ross; Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity, & Inclusion, Colorado Community College System leads the discussion with Christina Cecil; Chief Human Resources Officer, Colorado Community College System, Cheng Yu Hou; Chief Human Resources Officer, San Mateo County Community College District, Bill Dial; Chief Human Resources Officer, College of Southern Nevada, and Kyra Welch; Student, Bethune-Cookman
Native Higher Education Leaders: Transforming COVID Caused Challenges
Dr. David Yarlott, President of Little Big Horn College leads the discussion with Dr. Twyla Baker, President of Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, Dr. Carma Claw, Assistant Professor of Management, Fort Lewis College, Dr. Billie Jo Kipp, Associate Director Research and Evaluation, Aspen Institute Center for Native American Youth, Dr. Joseph Gladstone, Professor of Business Management University of New Haven, and Dominik MorningDove, a current student from Fort Lewis College
K-12 WEEK
Building the Diverse Talent Pipeline in K-12, Master’s, and PhD: First Gen and Diverse Success
Dr. Tania Hogan; Director of Undergraduate Student Success, University of Colorado Denver leads the discussion with Richard Maez; IB Diploma Program Manager - Denver Public Schools, Dr. Maria A. Castro Barajas; Assistant Director, Pre-Collegiate Development, Univ. of Colorado Boulder, Dr. Robin Brandehoff; Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Denver, and Joselyne Garcia-Moreno; student, University of Colorado Denver
Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in K-12: Moving the Big Rocks of Equity Forward
Jonathan Cooper; Superintendent - Mason City Schools leads panel discussion with Soroya Smith; DEI Learning Experience Designer - Mason City Schools, Kori Harris; Online Content Designer - Second Grade Teacher, Mason Early Childhood Center, Amie Switzer; 4th-grade teacher - Mason City Schools, Mariah Norman; Senior, Mason High School, and Bena Kallick; Co-Founder, Institute for Habits of Mind
Developing the Principal and Superintendent Diverse Pipeline in PK–12: Looking Ahead 
Dr. Mort Sherman; Associate Executive Director - AASA, The School Superintendents Association leads this panel discussion with Dr. Maria Ott; Executive in Residence, University of Southern California, Dr. Michael Conner; Superintendent - Middletown Public Schools, and Dr. Khalid Mumin; Superintendent - Reading School District. Includes Kid Superintendent video
Latino Leaders as Learning Changemakers: The Future of Work is Diverse, Inclusive, Just, and Equitable 
Adrian Rosado; President - Zion Leadership Group with Yecenia Tostado; Executive Director - Project Azul, Sixcia Devine; Business Development Specialist - Grow with Google, Alissa Santana; McNair Scholar, Senior, Business Major University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and Jaime Ivan Lopez-Rivera; VP for Student Affairs - Antillean Adventist University, Puerto Rico. Register below Renay's story.
TECHNOLOGY WEEK
STEPS to Skills on the Go: Cell Phone Learning Advancing Equity for Adult Students
Waukecha Wilkerson; Director of Coaching, Cell-Ed leads the panel discussion with Vickie Hay; CalWORKs Coordinator, Student Success, Orange Coast College, David A. Croom; Asst. Director, Postsecondary Achievement, Aspen Institute, Portia Polk; Director of Learning and Advocacy, Generation Hope, and Rachel Mercott, Student, Cell-Ed STEPS
Driving Change through Intersectional Philanthropy: Increasing Representation and Leadership
Dwana Franklin-Davis; CEO, Reboot Representation leads discussion with Carina Weyer; Program Manager, F5 Global Good & F5 Foundation, Taliah Givens; Sr. Director, Student Professional Development, UNCF, Jamie Schwartz; Director of Major Gifts, American Indian College Fund, and Debbie Marcus; Senior Director, Break Through Tech, Cornell Tech
Student Leaders Speak To College Presidents, CEOs, and Government Leaders
Dr. Jessica Rowland Williams; Director, Every Learner Everywhere leads the discussion with GlobalMindED Every Learner Student Ambassadors Jair Flores; Student, Colorado State University Pueblo, Serita Liles; Student, North Carolina A&T State University, Hector Ramos Diaz; Student, University of Portland, and Kyra Welch; Student, Bethune-Cookman University
Advancing Equity in Highly Selective HS and College Admissions-Ed Equity Lab, Partners, and Students 
Alexandra Slack; Chief of Staff, National Education Equity Lab, leads this panel discussion with Asheley Siewnarine; Student Success Director - National Education Equity Lab, Di’Zhon Chase; Student, Columbia University, Michaell Santos; Student, The Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice, and Favi Olmedo; Student, Bronx Career & College Prep. High School
Tech Empowering Students Before, During, and After Covid: Closing the Digital Divide
Dr. Michael Torrance; President, Motlow State Community College leads panel discussion with Elise Shea; Founder & President, Conversations Unbound, Robert Joseph; President, Team MindShift, Rishi Kanjani; Analyst, Data Insights, Salesforce, and Cala Estes; Director of Education, Blind Institute of Technology
The Benefits of Global Internships: How, Why, Where
Adrian Rosado; President, Zion Leadership Group leads panel with Mara Luna; Director, TRIO Upward Bound. Univ of Puerto Rico, Mitzi Damazo-Sabando; CEO, TinkerHouse Inc., Manila, Philippines, Tree Xu; Community Manager, Education First, Wuxi, China, Erika Aquino; Executive Director, Infinit-O Group Foundation, Raymond Cabrera; Director, TRIO Upward Bound, Univ. of S. Florida, Ayessa Weems; Student, TRIO Student Support, Purdue Univ. NW
EARTH WEEK
International Youth: Strategies for Inclusive, Just, and Equitable Climate Leadership 
Ash Pachauri; Co-Founder and Senior Mentor, Protect Our Planet Movement and Drishya Pathak; POP Movement, India lead this panel of international students including Summer Benjamin; POP Movement Peter Gruber International Academy, US Virgin Islands, Caroline Sandberg; Tahoe Expedition Academy, USA, Tsague Dongfack/Willy Endelson; POP Movement, Cameroon, Ricardo Delgado; POP Youth Mentor, Arturo Michelena Univ, Venezuela, and Zoe Ricardo Rivera; CEI Univ, México
How Environmental Justice and Equity Can Help Solve the Climate Crisis Part 1 
Courtney Knight; Founder and Managing Member, Capstone Capital Advisors and Susan Kidd; Executive Director, Center for Sustainability, Agnes Scott College lead discussion with Anamarie Shreeves; Environmental Education Programs Manager, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Eriqah Vincent; Network Engagement Director, Power Shift Network, Dr. Dana Williamson; EPA Environmental Health Fellow, Assoc of Schools and Programs of Public Health, and Gwendylon P. Smith; Exec Director, Collier Heights Association for Revitalization, Resilience, and Sustainability.  
How Environmental Justice and Equity Can Help Solve the Climate Crisis Part 2 
Dr. Kyle Whyte; Professor of Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, leads panel discussion with Ka’illjuus / Lisa Lang; Executive Director, Xaadas Kil Kuyaas Foundation, Dr. Kelsey Leonard; Assistant Professor, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Brittany Judson; Just Growth Consultant Partnership for Southern Equity, and AJ (Andrea) Grant; President, Environmental Communications Associates.
Student Leaders Speak 2021 Report Finds Shift to Remote Learning Hardest on BIPOC College Students

Diverse students felt they did not have a seat at the table when pandemic related decisions were made and call on college leaders to include them. The report is a joint initiative between Every Learner Everywhere and GlobalMindED with support from The Equity Project LLC


(DENVER, CO – May 6, 2021) — A new report based on data-driven surveys of 25 GlobalMindED Ambassadors representing a larger group of 102 students from 47 colleges in 22 states found that without exception, the shift from on campus learning to remote college instruction has most negatively impacted poverty-affected, first generation, Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students. Their voices are shared in the report, which concludes that college presidents, CEO’s and government leaders cannot solve problems for these students without including them at the table.

Student Leaders Speak 2021: Student Voices Informing Educational Strategies, conducted via surveys, interviews and informal feedback from mentors, illustrates a lack of national and collegiate preparedness to address the near-immediate shift from in-classroom to remote learning. Students reported a lack of access to an engaged faculty and essential technology while underscoring that their greatest support and strength has come from interaction and collaboration within their dedicated student community. Read the full report here: Student Leaders Speak to College Presidents, CEOs and Policymakers.

Highlights include:

  • Communities represented included BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), first generation, living with disabilities, white poverty-affected, LGBTQ+, Veteran, Online, and ESL/Immigrant.

  • 100 percent acknowledged two or more barriers such as lack of internet access, lack of focused learning environment, no personal device, health concerns, unemployment, language barriers, learning from their beds/bedrooms and/or managing younger siblings.

  • 100 percent described absent or unavailable campus support systems beyond the instructor, equating the learning experience and cost of same as being grossly out of alignment.

  • 80 percent disapproved of the online learning experience, citing inconsistency in faculty ability to educate using technological tools and practices. In essence, the virtual environment was not mirroring or upholding the most important elements of the in-person environment, as some faculty were not adequately trained in the COVID-caused emotional/social needs of students.

  • 70 percent relied on peer support as compared to more formal support systems. Students were learning and growing by being together – something critical to note during times of both social and physical distancing.

The report calls on college administrators to implement actionable steps to ease the challenging demands of remote learning and smooth the transition from college to professional careers.

  • Colleges should do a better job of providing a platform for the voices of poverty-affected and first generation students to be heard.

  • Faculty needs to gain a better grasp of digital tools, technologies and strategies.

  • Advisors should recruit student coaches and peers to help newer students from diverse communities.

  • Policy makers must improve access to transportation, housing, child care, financing, lower tuition/debt and career opportunities for first generation/diverse students.

GlobalMindED Programs helps with:

GlobalMindED | 303-327-5688 | contact@globalminded.org | www.globalminded.org
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