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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Reskilling Veterans, Forging a Pathway from Apprenticeship to Employee Ownership: Meet Carlos Frank Rodriguez, Founder of the Parachute Group
At Parachute, apprenticeships and analytics drive success through integrated solutions that prioritize business objectives and streamline workflows. Our goal is to deliver projects on time and within budget through mentorship, best practices, and teamwork. EdTech+: The Ultimate Learning and IT Partnership
What is your personal/professional story?
I am leading a movement to unlock the vast potential of digital technology. As a third-generation trades apprentice and veteran, I have a visceral understanding of how digital technologies impact frontline workers.
My commitment is clear: to maintain quality, foster collaboration, and ensure consistency.
My mission is measured: to guide organizations into the digital era with tailored, scalable, and secure solutions.
My values in vision: to empower human potential through automation and innovation.
I have been an apprentice for the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association, a Technical Program Manager for the United States Air Force, and before I founded the Parachute Group in 2019, I was an Operations Program Manager for Boeing Intelligence & Analytics.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
I'm a third-generation trades apprentice and a first-generation college student. As a combat veteran, transitioning from military service in 2012 was tough. On the surface, I seemed successful with a corporate career, adjunct professor role, and community involvement. But beneath that facade were overlooked mental health issues. In 2016, I faced them, seeking help from the VA. Their diagnosis of combat-related PTSD and a TBI reshaped my self-perception, launching years of therapy to understand the impact of war and trauma.
In 2019, an ADHD diagnosis gave me hope. This led to the founding of Parachute Group, an IT Managed Services company aiming to offer technical expertise and digital solutions to underrepresented businesses. In 2023, the Department of Labor approved Parachute's Registered Apprenticeship Program, dedicated to reskilling veterans and forging a pathway from apprenticeship to employee ownership.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
I'm grateful for life and the chance to face tough times, recognize my flaws, and rise again with the help of mentors and support. Through life's journey, I've fought harder than necessary in pursuit of education and opportunities. These battles, both internal and against America's foes, have given me a profound understanding of hope, humanity, and health.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
I have an obligation to support veterans seeking purpose, myself among them.
GlobalMindED is proud of all of the veterans we work with. We will share many of their stories in November as we celebrate and honor Veteran's Day all month.
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See this 1-minute GlobalMindED 2023 at a glance video:
Read What Speakers and Attendees said about the GlobalMindED 2023 annual conference:
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If you are a leader at a district, college, company, non-profit, or foundation supporting GlobalMindED’s Tenth Anniversary event in Denver on June 17 (pre-conference, Inclusive Leader Awards dinner) 18-19 (conference) 2024, you are eligible to attend our Fall special event at the United Nations:
Transforming Financial Boundaries in Education, the Environment, and the Economy
Thursday, October 12th
United Nations DDR
New York City
Write Celeste Gardner to reserve your space: Celestegardner@globalminded.org
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PBS12 Denver filmed and live-streamed the 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.
Here are links to the 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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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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