The Mind Trust’s Post

I am excited to announce an upcoming event that delves into the critical topic of nurturing the potential of the BOY CHILD. Titled " The Boy Child: Empowering Future Leaders," This event aims to shed light on the unique qualities and challenges young boys face today. Event Overview: The uniqueness of the boy child lies in his potential to become a pillar of strength, compassion, and leadership in society. By equipping young boys with values such as self-identity, depth, and a strong foundation, and empowering them to navigate life's challenges with resilience and integrity, we pave the way for their holistic development and future success. Key Themes: 1. Self-identity: Self-identity instils a sense of confidence and purpose, enabling boys to embrace their individuality and make positive choices aligned with their values. 2. Depth: Depth fosters emotional intelligence and empathy, nurturing meaningful relationships and understanding of the world around them. 3. Foundation: A well-established life foundation provides stability and direction, guiding boys towards fulfilling their aspirations and contributing meaningfully to their communities. Why It Matters: In a world where societal norms and expectations often dictate narrow definitions of masculinity, it is crucial to provide boys with holistic guidance and support. By investing in their personal growth and development, we cultivate a generation of young men who are not only successful but also compassionate, empathetic, and morally grounded individuals. This, in turn, fosters healthier relationships, stronger communities, and a more equitable society for all. Join us as we explore the transformative power of nurturing the unique potential of the boy child. Together, let us create a future where every boy is empowered to thrive and make a positive difference in the world.

These five children are future world-changers. Because our families have vision… 🌳 …for our family trees, committed to planting ones that are less about the past and more about the future we’re intentionally creating… 🤝 …for our relationships, knowing relational health (beginning in the family) is the foundation of care for our physical, mental, and emotional health… 🌅 …for our impact, creating a family culture of interdependence that means, “I serve us, so we can serve others.” That’s what I envisioned as I watched these five dear friends work together to raise a sail along the coast of Maine last week. Because of the work our families are doing together, our children are not coasting aimlessly. Instead, they’re embracing the power of relationships, connection, and collaboration. They’re setting the sails, charting the course, creating the future. Sadly, so many families are coasting, not having the support they need to raise the sail that is a clear and powerful vision - rooted in who you uniquely are, individually and collectively. Renala is out to change that. Your family doesn’t have to coast. The future of your family does not have to repeat the cycle of the past. And you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s work together to raise the sails of vision so you can have the impact you long for in your family - and your leadership in every sphere of your life. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ I’m launching a new online community in the next few weeks called The Family Circle to help more families step into a powerful vision. Drop a YES below if you want to stay in the loop! 📽: Co-creating life, family + business with Harris III & Kate Harris!

Join Us in Empowering Future Leaders! I’m honored to serve on the advisory board at Minds Matter SoCal, an inspiring organization dedicated to transforming the lives of motivated students from under-resourced communities. What We Do: At Minds Matter SoCal, our work centers around four key areas that are essential to our students' success: 1. Mentorship: Each student is paired with a dedicated mentor who offers personalized guidance and support. Our mentors, who come from diverse backgrounds and professions, play a crucial role in helping students build confidence, set academic and personal goals, and develop the skills necessary for success. 2. Academic Enrichment: We provide a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance students' academic skills. Our workshops cover critical thinking, writing, and test preparation, ensuring that students are well-prepared for challenges in school and on standardized tests. 3. College Preparation: Navigating the college application process can be daunting, especially for first-generation college students. Minds Matter SoCal guides students through every step, from researching colleges to understanding application requirements. 4. Financial Literacy and Scholarships: We believe that financial barriers should not prevent students from pursuing higher education. Our program educates students about financial aid options, scholarships, and budgeting for college expenses. Volunteer Opportunities: We are actively seeking passionate volunteers to help us in various capacities: ·     Mentors: If you have a desire to inspire and guide young minds, consider becoming a mentor. ·     Tutors: We welcome individuals who can offer subject-specific assistance. ·     Event Coordinators: Join us in planning and executing workshops, fundraising events, and community outreach initiatives. Ways to Support Us: Your support is invaluable and can create a lasting impact on our students' lives! ·     Financial Contributions: Donations directly fund our programs and scholarships, enabling us to reach more students each year. Every dollar counts and contributes to changing lives. ·     In-Kind Donations: We appreciate supplies, books, and resources that can aid our students in their studies. Your contributions help enhance their educational experience. Why It Matters: Education is a powerful tool that opens doors and creates opportunities. By supporting Minds Matter SoCal, you are helping to break the cycle of poverty and empower students to become the leaders of tomorrow. Your involvement can inspire hope and drive change in our community. Let’s work together to inspire and uplift the next generation! If you’re interested in volunteering or donating, please visit www.mindsmattersocal.org or feel free to reach out to me directly. Thank you for considering joining our mission! Together, we can create lasting change and help shape the future of our students.

Yesterday was quite the celebration! The Junior Achievement of South Florida Celebration of Impact breakfast was a special opportunity to reflect on the history, milestones, and tremendous impact Junior Achievement has had over the past 65 years (I’ll post again about the impact). I’m incredibly proud of our work and our deep partnership with Broward County Public Schools that allows us to reach every student. I am so grateful to lead this passionate team and amazing organization. Like many in leadership, I sometimes think (and worry) about how we will continue to find the resources to grow our impact. Thankfully, there are so many who believe in the critical work we do and want to help prepare children for a brighter future. Yesterday, we had the privilege of welcoming several new partners who pledged to support the JA BizTown and JA Finance Park programs. We officially opened their “storefronts” and welcomed them to JA World. These partners have created exciting and engaging spaces where students can explore industries and careers firsthand, learn and practice work skills and understand how to manage their finances. Come see them!! (See comments for new partners) We also took time to honor several partners who support JA through service, collaboration, and investment. (See comments for our honorees) But the star of the morning was Jacob. His story is a powerful reminder of the challenges and angst our young people face as the reality of life after k-12 gets closer and more real. It was a testimony to the impact we can have on students’ lives and how we can literally change the trajectory of their future. We will continue to tell these stories to inspire others to get involved. I’ve added the link to Jacob’s inspiring speech. I promise its worth 4 minutes of your time! Hopefully, once you hear his story and feel the excitement of what lies ahead for him you will know the difference you can make in one child’s life and you will join us in our ONE Future movement! If every one of us supports just one child, imagine the ripple effect we can create. For only $10 a month, you can change the future for a young person like Jacob. Click here to join the ONE Future movement! https://lnkd.in/dPiKXZXV

Sometimes, our business news is our personal news, and our personal news is business news, and this is one of those times. It's been a week! I am so proud of the (very tall!) person I have seen this little person grow into, and if I can take credit for even 10% of it, then I will. Transitions and changes are inevitable, but with the right support, we can use them as opportunities to thrive. Sophie is absolutely thriving, and I'm sure she will continue to do that in her new "home" in September at secondary school. It's a transition for me, too, as I did my very last school run yesterday, which means another adjustment for me and a big change for my business! The juggling we all do might be a little easier now, with one less ball in the air. We are already planning for September with books, lockers, and uniforms. At Coppertops, we are working on plans for the rest of 2024 (and maybe even 2025!) with marketing plans and strategies for ourselves and our clients. A little preparation makes it easier to navigate the transitions so we can keep moving as things around us change. I've got a little more time available now! So, if you would like to book some of it to work on a digital marketing strategy or plan for the rest of your year, send me a DM and let's plan to make a plan!

In the nonprofit, business, and education sectors, we often witness programs flourish initially only to gradually phase out over time. A common observation is the inability to adapt to the evolving social and economic landscape. For a program to thrive, it must remain true to its original mission, while also continually evolving to better meet the changing needs of its stakeholders. When I first established Sanders Hand in 2017, our program aimed to assist more minority students in gaining access to college. Despite a successful first year, I recognized that we weren't effectively addressing the specific needs of our student demographic. A significant portion of our students sought alternative paths like workforce, trade school, or military service. In response, we underwent a significant redesign in 2021, resulting in the creation of the Young Billionaires Club. We must be transparent in business and make hard decisions that impact our customer for the better but also provides sustainable growth for the future. If you're not growing, you're staying still, and if you're still, you're falling behind. #programdevelopment #education #businessadvice

Check out our latest monthly newsletter for (Sister)Hood of Hope, Inc. and get involved in the pursuit for brighter futures for Girls of Color!

Reflecting on My Journey:   It's been a while since I last shared. There have been both highs and lows that have shaped my path.   In April 2021, my mother entered Hospice Care. It was a challenging time. Then, on my birthday in October of the same year, I made the decision to leave my 20-year career in the public sector. It was a chapter that had defined much of my life, but it was time for a new chapter to begin (RETIREMENT).   Transitioning into my coaching and consulting business, which I had nurtured since its inception in 2016, became my primary focus. In 2022, I threw myself into this new venture, taking on fresh consulting contracts and even joining the Board of Directors of a nonprofit organization.   However, amidst the hustle and bustle, I found myself neglecting something essential: self-care. The weight of grief and the demands of caregiving for my mother's passing demanded attention I hadn't fully given myself. Also, I realized that I was greiving my former career. It was a reminder to prioritize my own well-being.   So, in 2023, I made a deliberate effort to pause, reevaluate, and restructure my commitments. I'm excited about the projects I worked on in 2023. I am eager to share the race and equity work I've been involved in through an upcoming Report.   Most recently I've carved out space to focus on supporting Black women in public sector senior leadership with my YouTube channel. Through executive coaching and guidance, I aim to bridge the gap in support that often leaves us underrepresented and overlooked. It's a mission fueled by personal experience and a desire to empower others like me.   Remember it's okay to step back, to modify, and to structure your life on your terms. In the pursuit of success, never forget the importance of self-compassion and rest.   Here's to embracing our journeys, learning from every twist and turn, and emerging stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before. Let's continue to pave the way for ourselves and those who come after us.

We are thrilled to announce the following applicants as our 2024 New Champions finalists: Extreme Kids & Crew, Inc. Lovisa Brown IncludeNJ Katherine Kelly Intersection Collective Erika Watson Start Lighthouse Rina M. The Lab School of Memphis Coi Morefield The Learning Hamlet Ifeyinwa Anako The New Champion and two runners-up will be announced on July 24, 2024. What is the EALA New Champions Fund? The EALA New Champions Fund will grant an annual unrestricted competitive sub-grant and year-long mentorship to support leaders of color, or allies of the equity in education movement, who are actively working to support students with disabilities, including students who are marginalized or come from underserved communities and those experiencing poverty. The purpose of this sub-grant is to elevate the profile and provide resources for the growth of the organization/initiative of not-yet-recognized leaders doing exceptional work who may struggle to be recognized in traditional national fundraising and communication efforts. What’s included? Funding: A one-year $35,000 unrestricted sub-grant. Mentorship: A one-year mentorship provided to leadership to accomplish strategic goals. Participation in National Events: EALA will work with the New Champions to spotlight their work through various media channels, podcasts, webinars, and national conferences to highlight the work of the organizations Additionally, EALA will provide two additional $5,000 sub-grants per year to runners-up as determined by the panel of New Champions judges.

The Nv Portrait is like no other - question-driven, learner-centered. Its implementation is grounded in a marvel of an integrated system of support structures and processes. The Nv model provides any state’s dept of ed with strategy to bring together standards, competencies, the Portrait as North Star, professional capacity-building, grassroots buildout across stakeholders-learners, educators, parents, biz community, nonprofit orgs-budget, and importantly, leadership from the top that links up the NDE with intermediary leadership. Together this collaborative culture is building the roadmap and providing the resources necessary for the journey to make the Nv Portrait of a Learner a driver of real change to equip young people with an education essential to thriving in life.