The Future of Work is Diverse, Inclusive, Just and Equitable

GlobalMindED is an Inclusive Success NetworkTM dedicated to creating a capable diverse talent pipeline, closing the equity gap for women and people of color, and connecting underrepresented/ underserved students to role models, mentors, internships, and jobs.
Emily Deen
Growing Up in Two Americas - Black and White - Unified by Kindness, Meet JEDI Leader Dismantling Inequities: Emily Deen



In February, GlobalMindED celebrates Black History Month by highlighting influential black voices. Meet Emily Deen, who brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and has worked in social justice leadership development, advocacy, nonprofit capacity building, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS prevention, and electoral justice. In these roles, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) were at the center of her approach and analysis. Emily’s career has been committed to systemically and historically disfranchised communities. In addition, she taught social welfare policy analysis and practice as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver in the Graduate School of Social Work. Regardless of her role, Emily approaches her work with a social justice framework. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and Black Studies and a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management with a Certificate in Program Development & Evaluation.

What is your personal story?

When I graduated from college, I decided to begin my professional career in the nonprofit sector with HIV/AIDS prevention and education. I worked primarily with women, youth, and communities of color. I led groups for women, and it became clear through the relationships and stories I heard that so many were battling against the very systems that were meant to support them. This is when my theory of change started to shift, and I knew I wanted to do more macro-level (systems) change to have a greater impact. I went on to work in the fields of domestic violence, social justice leadership development, electoral justice, and nonprofit capacity building before launching my own consulting company, ESD Consulting, to focus on race equity.
 
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?

I grew up with the firsthand experience of the two Americas – Black and white which deeply informed my understanding of race and the disparities that exist in this world. The pursuit of justice has been a driving force in my life because I’ve been surrounded by and a witness to so much injustice. 

Where does your passion to serve come from?

Growing up in the Cole neighborhood of Northeast Denver, my parents were very involved in our community in a variety of ways. From being a part of Weed and Seed to neighborhood cleanups and volunteering at our schools — my parents believed in community and gave as much as possible back to the community, even when they had very little. No matter how little we had, my parents made it clear that there was always someone else with less and that it was simply the right thing to do to be kind and extend a helping hand whenever and however you could. I watched my parents live out the true meaning of community service and kindness every day — checking in on elderly neighbors, inviting neighborhood kids into our home, helping to feed those who were hungry, and the list goes on. Community service became a part of my life from a young age, informed much of my worldview, and is the foundation of my work.  

How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?

I am interested in providing opportunities for young folks who are interested in learning more about the field of JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) and/or what it looks like to be an entrepreneur. 
GlobalMindED’s 10th Anniversary Conference

Powerful Voices Across Generations: Past, Present, Future
Denver June 17-19

 
The 10th annual conference in Denver will gather national thought leaders across sectors including education, business, health, policy, tech, and more. If you have never been to a GlobalMindED event, you will be in for a treat, as this year will be a reunion for many of our graduates, speakers, and Inclusive Leader Award winners who have been honored throughout the years. 

Please see:

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).
Thank you to all of the Sponsors, Speakers, Students, and Attendees at GlobalMindED 2023
GlobalMindED | 303-327-5688 | contact@globalminded.org | www.globalminded.org
Stay Connected