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.
|
|
Poverty-Affected Puerto Rican Grad Rises to the C-Suite: Meet Elizabeth Suarez, ADR, Cornell Undergrad Wharton MBA and Leadership/Board Strategist
What is your personal/professional story?
I grew up in Puerto Rico, in a Cuban family who lost everything due to communism. Therefore, from a very young age, I was told the importance of education. As an A student, active in student council and speech, I was able to secure a full ride to Cornell University, where I studied Chemical Engineering. I continued my studies at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, where I acquired an MBA.
I spent 2 decades rising through the ranks of corporate America. Although I reached the C-suite level in a telecom start-up, I never felt like I belonged. Plus, I realized that I worked twice as hard in order to achieve some recognition. Little did I realize at the time how novice I was when it came to "playing the game" and networking across all levels. A decade ago I decided to leave corporate America behind and focus on getting the next generation of Latinos and women prepared for the C-Suite and Boardroom. This is when I launched my boutique consulting group, Avanza Business Group (dba Negotiation Unleashed) focused on 2 things: First, we work strategically with C-Suite executives as well as Board Directors to assist with growth, retention, and effective leadership development. Second, we offer leadership development to middle-management Latinos to ensure their growth, and we ensure that they have access to the "soft-skill" resources and tools (self-advocacy, negotiation, competitive collaboration, thoughtful leadership) necessary to be competitive and triumphant in today's business world.
What key moments in my life led me to where I am today?
First and foremost was being raised by a strong Latina mother who believed in me, no matter what. She was my rock, strongest critic, as well as supporter. I am who I am today because of her.
Second, my experience of rising through the ranks of corporate America where I was always the only one. I called it the "me, myself, and I" syndrome. I stood out due to my accent, my approach to work, and how I networked. I brought a lot of my Puerto Rican culture to how I conducted business. Back in the late 80s to the 00s that wasn't something readily embraced.
Third, when I began my boutique consulting firm focused on leadership and negotiation, I had no clients or even a Rolodex that included decision-makers who would hire me. Therefore, I reached out to a couple of leaders and provided them with an offer they couldn't resist. I would work for them for free for 3 months in return for 3 to 5 referrals and excellent reviews. These individuals were shocked by my offer; they accepted it, and the rest is history. It was that "free work" that launched me to where I am today with my firm.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
I sound like a broken record, but it is my mother. Growing up in poverty in Puerto Rico, we relied on government subsidies as well as the community. She was very adamant that this help wasn't free. Therefore, she instilled in my three older brothers and me to always serve our communities with our time, experience, and knowledge, as well as our money. After all, money doesn't grow on trees. 😉
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
You are already doing it; expanding my network as well as my knowledge and experience. I'm humbled by the interest the organization has taken in me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
You can meet Elizabeth and other Latino leaders by joining our session below. We look forward to it. Nos vemos!
|
|
Join GobalMindED's Hispanic Heritage Month Event
Latino Leaders Breaking Boundaries and Barriers: Fuerza y Fortaleza
September 26th 4:00-5:00 ET
|
|
Introduction by:
Paulette Tate, Chair of the Board, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver
The founder of Cantilever, a company specializing in business and leadership development, Paulette is a global executive, entrepreneur, and leader with over 30 years of expertise in business development, operations, and executive management. Serving on a variety of boards and advisory committees, Paulette’s skills in strategic planning, finance, risk management, and relationship building make her a visionary leader in the international business world.
Panel Leader:
Dr. Ryan Ross, Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, Equity & Inclusion Colorado Community College System
An educator, speaker, and actualization coach, Dr. Ross is committed to access, equity, and the development of leaders. After fourteen years of educational work, Ross transitioned from executive leadership at the Community College of Denver to become Regional Manager for Mobilization for the American Petroleum Institute. There, he is focused on STEM awareness in students and building workforce opportunities in the energy industry for women, minorities, and veterans.
With:
Elizabeth Suárez, Leadership & Negotiation Strategist, Avanza Business Group
Elizabeth collaborates with organizations across various industries on complex and sensitive matters, using her unique blend of respect, humor, and honesty. Her straightforward approach inspires her clients to take action and put into practice what they have learned, to positively impact their lives. Elizabeth has motivated thousands of professionals to become transformative leaders through her best-selling book, The Art of Getting Everything, as well as her media appearances and keynote speeches across the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Diego Mariscal, CEO and Chief Disabled Person, 2Gether-International
As the leader of 2Gether-International, Diego has collaborated with corporations like Google, Blackboard, McKinsey, and Comcast NBC Universal, as well as the U.S. Dept. of State and the Organization of American States to frame disability as an asset for startups and entrepreneurs. He has been recognized by the Waldzell Institute in Vienna as an Architect of the Future and by the British Council as a Global Changemaker. Born with Cerebral Palsy, he represented Nuevo Leon in the Mexican National Paralympics. Diego is also the 2023 GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award winner for Entrepreneurship.
Christina Trujillo Privacy Officer, Legal Department, Sony Electronics
With decades of experience as an auditor in the financial services industry, and a background in ethics, compliance, and IT governance, Christina earned her Certified Information Privacy Professional certification. She has been with Sony for over 16 years and is now the Sony Electronics’ Privacy Officer. Christina was recently inducted into the Samurai Society, the highest honor one can achieve at Sony, and she is constantly involved with numerous volunteer organizations.
Dr. Jose Morey Chief Executive Officer, Ad Astra Steam Media
The Founder of Ad Astra Media, Dr. Morey provides role models and educational STEAM content to encourage more diversity in STEAM-related fields. He is the Chief Medical Officer for Ever Medical and is a health and technology keynote speaker, author, and consultant for NASA, Forbes, MIT, and the White House Office of Science and Technology. He is considered a leader in exponential technology innovation and excels at leading multidisciplinary teams that sit at the epicenter of biotechnology, AI, and aerospace.
|
|
GlobalMindED/FSUN Special Event at the U.N.
Thursday, October 12th 10:00-4:00
Transforming Financial Boundaries in Education, the Environment, and the Economy
United Nations DDR
New York City

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.
Write Celestegardner@globalminded.org or call our office at 303-327-5688 to reserve your space
Complete Program Below:
|
|
Highlights from the 2023 GlobalMindED Annual Conference this past June:
Read What Speakers and Attendees said about the GlobalMindED 2023 annual conference:
|
|
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:
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
‌
‌
‌
‌