Inspired by the concept of endangered species, President of West Valley College, Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D., reframes the challenges faced by Black leaders in America, not as deficits in ability, but as the result of inhospitable conditions. Drawing on insights from environmental science and social justice frameworks, she delivers a powerful call to action: to create workplaces that are not only diverse, but sustainable. Audiences will gain a deeper understanding of their vital role in fostering hospitable environments that support equity in our institutions. President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza has over 25 years of education experience in both instruction and student services, mainly within the California community colleges. In her roles as a classified professional, tenured faculty leader, director, dean, vice president, and now president, she has found inspiration in the brilliance, power, and endless potential of community college students. She leads for social justice and liberation, recognizing our shared responsibility to address the historical legacy of racism to create a more just system of access, reward, and long-term equitable outcomes to inspire individual achievement and generational impact. The “obligation gap,” a term she coined, speaks to institutional responsibility. She is co-author of Minding the Obligation Gap in Community Colleges: Theory and Practice in Achieving Educational Equity. President Taylor-Mendoza is also an Aspen Institute Presidential Fellow and American Leadership Forum, Silicon Valley Senior Fellow. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx