GlobalMindED

Join us June 16-18 in Denver for the 11th Annual GlobalMindED Conference, where education, business, government, and industry leaders connect with students to build a more inclusive workforce. With 400+ speakers, 90+ sessions, and an Industry Marketplace/Career Exploration event, this is a must-attend event for those committed to diversity and innovation. Highlights:? ? 1,000+ industry leaders & 300+ students from 55+ colleges/universities? ? Inclusive Leader Awards honoring change-makers? ? Student-led panels & mentorship opportunities? ? Internships, apprenticeships, and job connections Students can join the Leadership Pre-Conference on June 16, with an opening reception and awards dinner for all attendees. ??Register now & book your stay at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel!

Kathleen deLaski's journey from TV journalism and Pentagon spokesperson to nonprofit education innovator is marked by a lifelong commitment to proving and improving. As a pioneer among women striving to balance professional and family life, she has navigated through significant personal and societal shifts. Her transition to founding the Education Design Lab was largely influenced by her children's educational struggles, highlighting the disconnect between traditional education paths and the realities of the job market. This inspired her to focus on creating more accessible, alternative career pathways for "new majority learners" — those for whom traditional college education may not be the best or most feasible option. Kathleen’s story is a testament to her role as a creative force, using her insights and experiences to foster systemic change in education, advocating for practical, inclusive learning models that prepare students for real-world success. Kathleen will be speaking at the GlobalMindED?conference?in Denver, June 16-18. George Mason University, U.S. Department of Defense Combating Trafficking in Persons Office, AOL, U.S. Department of Education, American Council on Education, NAICU - National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities, American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), The Chronicle of Higher Education, EdSurge, Education Writers Association, Gates Foundation, Lumina Foundation, Strada Education, Jobs for the Future (JFF), New America, National Governors Association - Career & Workforce Education, Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Association for Talent Development (ATD), Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), National Science Foundation (NSF), The Brookings Institution, Urban Institute, American Educational Research Association, New England ISTE an affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education, MIT Open Learning, Harvard University, Stanford d.school, National Skills Coalition, Community College Research Center, The Education Trust, Southern Regional Education Board, Complete College America, The Luminary, Ford Foundation, Schmidt Futures, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.?

From war zones to boardrooms—Kristiina Helenius's journey is a story of resilience and leadership on a global scale. Starting as a war correspondent, she ventured into economic and business journalism, which paved the way for her roles as the Press Secretary at the Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C., and later as CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Finland. Her extensive experience includes leading the U.S. business for the Nordic consulting house Miltton Group and currently serving as CEO of the International Sanctions and Export Control Society. Kristiina's career is distinguished by her trailblazing roles, often as the first woman in leadership positions, driven by her commitment to fairness and building diverse, high-performing teams. Her upcoming book on the China-U.S. rivalry reflects her deep engagement with global economic dynamics and her continued influence on international business and policy. Finnish Design Embassy, Finnish American Chamber of Commerce - New York, International Sanctions and Export Control Society (ISECS), U.S. Department of State, European Union, World Trade Organization, Harvard Business Review, United Nations, International Monetary Fund, The World Bank, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Finland, Nordic Council, Atlantic Council, Council on Foreign Relations, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), The Brookings Institution, The Aspen Institute, European Commission, OECD - OCDE, U.S. Department of Commerce, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Foreign Policy, Financial Times, The Economist, Reuters, Bloomberg, 哈佛商业评论中文版 | Harvard Business Review China, Asia Society, The Wilson Center, Chatham House, RAND, IISS, THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES, McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), PwC

From journalism to championing digital skills and career empowerment, Emem Udom’s journey is a testament to resilience and vision. Starting her career aspirations in Mass Communication, Emem transitioned her focus towards addressing the significant skills gap faced by graduates in Nigeria’s evolving job market. Her initiative, Career Circle, has equipped over 100 individuals with critical, marketable skills through programs like the Free Copywriting Accelerator, transforming the prospects of young professionals. Emem's efforts are driven by a deep-seated desire to foster accessible opportunities and gender equality in Africa, emphasizing the need for practical education that aligns with industry demands. Her work not only bridges the gap between education and employment but also advocates for systemic change, ensuring that young professionals are prepared to thrive in a digital economy. Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network, African Union, UN Women, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Economic Forum, International Labour Organization, African Development Bank Group, Gates Foundation, Mastercard Foundation, IFC - International Finance Corporation, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, African Leadership Academy, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon Web Services-Africa, LinkedIn for Nonprofits, She Leads Africa, The ONE Campaign, Ashoka Africa, African Women In Technology, Digital Skills Africa, UNESCO, International Telecommunication Union, Women Who Code, Girl Effect, Young African Leaders Initiative, AfriLabs, MEST Africa, Andela, AFRICAN WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION INC, Endeavor Nigeria, Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA), Forbes Africa

From Oaxaca to Austin—Chef Iliana De la Vega's culinary journey is a story of resilience, passion, and recognition. Her early experiences in a culturally rich family environment in Oaxaca inspired her love for local cuisine, leading her and her husband to open their first restaurant, El Naranjo Restaurant. Despite challenges that forced them to close and relocate to the United States, Iliana's determination flourished in Austin, where they reopened El Naranjo. Her role as a Latin/Mexican cuisines specialist at The Culinary Institute of America further cemented her influence in the culinary world. Highlighting her journey is the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas in 2022, honoring her dedication to Mexican culinary traditions and excellence in the field. The James Beard Foundation, The New York Times, Bon Appetit, GlobalMindED, Women's History Month - Rising Together!, Austin Food & Wine Alliance, National Restaurant Association, American Culinary Federation, International Association of Culinary Professionals, Worldchefs - World Association of Chefs' Societies, Slow Food USA, Latin American Youth Center, Texas Restaurant Association, Association for the Study of Food and Society, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN CHEFS AND RESTAURATEURS INC, The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), Austin Chamber of Commerce (Chicago), Mexican Cultural Institute D.C., International Culinary Center, Society for the Anthropology of North America (SANA), AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF WINE AND FOOD, The Food Trust, National Hispanic Institute (NHI), Chefs Collaborative, Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, Les Dames d'Escoffier International, Latin American Studies for the Young, Austin Food Magazine, Food & Wine, Eater, National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC), National Museum of Mexican Art, Forbes

In honor of Women's History Month, we celebrate Iffet Ozgonul, Founder and CEO of Peten Travels, a Physics Engineering graduate from Ankara University. A member of TURSAB (The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies) and the International Women's Forum, Iffet’s journey from a rural Anatolian village to global recognition showcases resilience and innovation. After studying in the UK, she earned her degree and discovered a passion for travel, obtaining a professional tour guide license. In 1997, she founded Peten Travels, pioneering unique, immersive travel experiences in Türkiye. Despite industry challenges, her commitment to excellence established Peten Travels as one of Türkiye’s few 100% locally owned tour companies. Beyond business, Iffet co-founded IWFTürkiye and champions girls’ education and leadership. Passionate about cultural heritage, she seeks to promote projects like TA? TEPELER, a UNESCO site, through global partnerships and sustainable tourism. Read on to learn more about Iffet Ozgonul's story. TURSAB (The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies), zaher nourredine UNESCO World Heritage Centre, International Air Transport Association (IATA), European Travel Commission GSTC- General Secretariat of Zakat, Tax and Customs Committees Atta World Tours & Travels Consultancy - WTTC Women In Travel CIC WBENC Vital Voices Global Partnership NAWBO National Women's World Banking The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) SheEO? Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkey Smithsonian Institution National Geographic Archaeological Institute of America The British Museum American Friends of the Louvre The Metropolitan Museum of Art Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) / #ChooseWOMEN KAG?DER Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey Entrepreneurs' Organization TüS?AD International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) SKD Türkiye (BCSD Türkiye) ICOM The Aspen Institute Society of Women Engineers Institute of Physics American Physical Society European Physical Society

From Kenya to Ecuador,?Shoshanna Sumka transforms global education through lived experience and leadership. Born in the United States to a Jewish immigrant family,?Shoshanna?was shaped by a deep commitment to social justice and community contribution. Her transformative experience living in Kenya as a teenager broadened her perspective, steering her toward a career focused on cross-cultural understanding and education, culminating in a degree in Applied Anthropology. Today, as the Executive Director of the ISEEN: Independent Schools Experiential Education Network,?Shoshanna?leads a network of 150 schools dedicated to experiential learning. She leverages her rich global experiences and academic background to foster educational programs that emphasize interconnectedness and cultural insight, aiming to inspire transformational teaching and learning worldwide. Read on to learn more about Shoshanna Sumka's journey. Sidwell Friends School, American University, Break Away, University of Idaho, Federation EIL, the Worldwide Network of the Experiment in International Living, University of Maryland, Earlham College, Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School, Sandy Spring Friends School, World Learning, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Phillips Academy, The Hotchkiss School, Southern Poverty Law Center, Cary Academy, National Association of Independent Schools, The Association for Experiential Education, Center for Inspired Teaching, The Aspen Institute, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, UWC Thailand, Outdoor Afro, Spark the Journey, International School of Kenya, Dunn School, American Anthropological Association

From a challenging start to a pivotal role in education equity—Carol Blackwell's life is a testament to resilience and dedication. Born into a segregated America and abandoned at birth, her upbringing on the South Side of Chicago instilled a profound sense of justice and community, which she carried into her career. Her experiences navigating higher education as a Black woman shaped her focus on fostering equity and belonging in educational settings. Today, as the Vice President of Equity and Justice at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Caroline uses her vast experience to promote civil and human rights within educational institutions. She is driven by a commitment to challenge systemic barriers and ensure that educational opportunities are accessible and equitable for all, regardless of their background. Her work is fueled by a desire to create environments where diversity is valued and all individuals can thrive. Read on to learn more about Caroline Blackwell's story. National Association of Independent Schools Metro Human Relations Commission University School of Nashville GlobalMindED National Civil Rights Museum The Young Women's Movement Southern Poverty Law Center The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights BLACK LIVES MATTER Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Ruth Simmons International Human Rights Art Movement Anti-Racism Movement (ARM) Restorative Justice For All (RJ4All) International Institute Gracious Space, LLC Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed, Inc. Education Equity Alliance Human Rights Advocacy Centre

From lifeguard to Citi Bank executive to a consulting pioneer—Mary Davis's journey exemplifies resilience and strategic foresight. Starting her career as a high school lifeguard, Mary developed early leadership skills that foreshadowed her future in managing change and disruption. Her academic pursuits at Mount Holyoke College and the University of Geneva laid the groundwork for her entry into Citibank's Global Division, where she became the first woman in their executive training program. Mary's career trajectory shifted significantly after marrying and moving to Australia, where she transitioned into merchant banking, and later, upon returning to the U.S., into nonprofit management in New York City. These experiences enriched her understanding of global business and social enterprise, leading her to found The Davis Consulting Group. Read on to learn more about Mary Graham Davis's journey. The Fletcher School at Tufts University, Tufts University, Citi, United Way, Catholic Charities USA, United Nations, International Relations Council, University of Chicago, School Board School, IBM, Women for Women International, NPR, The World Bank, Harvard Business School, McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, PwC, Deloitte, Accenture, KPMG US, EY, GATES OF THE MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION, Ford Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, National Geographic, Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, World Economic Forum, Gates Foundation

March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across various fields, including politics, education, business, and the arts. Women play a vital role in shaping societies and economies, with women making up nearly half of the U.S. workforce and contributing $7.6 trillion to the economy. Women-owned businesses account for 39.1% of all U.S. businesses, generating over $2.7 trillion in revenue. Beyond their economic impact, women are the cornerstone of families and communities, serving as caregivers, educators, and activists. They foster future leaders and drive social change, advocating for gender equality and social justice. Women's History Month highlights the importance of recognizing these contributions and continuing efforts for global progress and empowerment. GlobalMindED invites you to celebrate the achievements of women throughout March.