Access Meets Opportunity: The GlobalMindED Experience for First-Gen Students

GlobalMindED was founded on the mission of providing students with connections and opportunities for social and economic mobility. The First Gen Student Leadership Program is a key part of that mission, offering first-generation college students a unique platform to connect with global leaders, gain real-world insights, and build career-launching relationships.

Held during the annual GlobalMindED conference in Denver, the program provides:

• Mentorship from CEOs, policymakers, technologists, and foundation leaders
• Workshops on leadership, communication, and professional development
• Access to internships and job opportunities through the Industry Marketplace
• Opportunities to present student-led insights and participate in key conference sessions

Program Highlights:

• Builds student confidence through direct engagement with top professionals
• Helps students practice networking and soft skills in a high-level setting
• Prepares students for leadership, entrepreneurship, and public service

Below are the stories and work of a few of the thousands of students in the GlobalMindED Network—each one a testament to what is possible when access meets opportunity.

Whitney Degroot

From Couch Surfing to a Career in Medicine: Meet Whitney Degroot, Colorado State University

Shaylan Wilson

From First-Gen Scholar to Emerging Young Professional:

Meet Shaylan Wilson

Maya Ploi Blasi

From Homeless Teen to Double Major College Student: Meet Courageous Change-Maker, Maya Ploi Blasi

Mahmood Hassan

From First-Gen Scholar to Emerging Young Professional:

Meet Shaylan Wilson

Conner Sturgeon

Redefining Crisis Response and Reclaiming Nature as a Healing Space: Meet Conner Strgueon

Register for GlobalMindED 2026

June 9-11

Denver, CO

Click the image below to see the GlobalMindED 2025 Conference program

United Nations Event Conference 2024

Our 2024 conference at the United Nations, co-hosted by the Foundation for the Support of the United Nations, Brave Solutions Fueling Our Economic Future, gathered a diverse group of students, graduates, funders, and leaders from industry and education for a day of dynamic conversation at the United Nations in New York. See more and view the session below.

Watch the Morning Sessions Here

Watch the Afternoon Sessions Here

GlobalMindED Conference 2025

Thank you to all of the students, partners, sponsors, speakers and attendees who made our 2025 conference such a success!

More than 300 students from over 60 community colleges and universities were able to learn from 400 speakers, hundreds of attendees, and each other. Please see photos from the Inclusive Leader Awards dinner, First Gen Leadership Program, main stage sessions and breakouts.

Thanks to our sponsors, presenters, and students who made GlobalMindED 2025 such a success!

GlobalMindED class of 2015: Click to see 1-minute Student Testimonial from Amelia

Mawlawi

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).

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