DLE VOLUNTEERS POWER PROGRAMS WITH SUBSTANCE

By Alaina Stanisci, DLE Communications Intern, Sophomore at Fordham University, Bronx, NY

The DLE’s Culture Chat committee meets regularly during the year to exchange different perspectives on complex challenges in today’s workplace that become headline topics for programs.

This group of high-achieving professionals from different industries, locations, and backgrounds volunteer their time to brainstorm, plan, and execute–with the goal of bringing valuable learning and networking opportunities to the DLE community. Their contributions keep the DLE’s programming fresh, innovative, and relevant.

“It has been sheer joy working with our dedicated Culture Chat volunteers,” affirms DLE President and Founder Linda Dulye. “From brainstorming topics to building formal program plans to serving as moderators, they take enormous pride in producing first-class learning and networking experiences. Their commitment to teamwork and excellence is inspiring.”

Volunteers admit their experience has been personally and professionally rewarding. As they share in their own words, their service has opened the door to learn new ideas, gain networking opportunities, and develop life-long friendships with fellow volunteers and program attendees.

Kaled Rocha

Kaled Rocha, who joined the Culture Chat committee during the early onset of the COVID pandemic, was motivated to volunteer when he realized the extent to which the community “aims to connect leaders with each other, create a forum for open and honest discussion, and foster mentorship and comradery between members.” Kaled, Vice President Investments for JPMorgan Wealth Management, sought out the Culture Chat as a place to help drive this mission forward and create more opportunities to share his ideas, learn from experts, and gain new perspectives from attendees.

Similarly, independent filmmaker Aleah Marrow, who joined the DLE in July 2020, was inspired to volunteer for the Culture Chat program because she saw the limitless “opportunities to develop skills, network, and evolve.” She has been able to build deep friendships, gain support, and learn about others’ experiences from all over the world.

Aleah Marrow

For instance, when traveling overseas on a business trip, Aleah met up with DLE member Sheryl Owen, who toured her around London and talked about her work experience outside of the U.S. After shifting careers from professional tennis to filmmaker, the DLE supported Aleah with her first private screening of “Wish Hill” in December 2021, which garnered an international audience and high praise for her debut film. Since then, Aleah says that she has an enduring sense of gratitude for the DLE for its unwavering support and its commitment to “uplifting everyone who participates in the leadership experience.”

Josh Brilliant

Josh Brilliant, an energetic advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the fight against racial discrimination, was drawn to volunteer for the DLE because of the opportunity to learn about cultural shifts occurring in different workplaces and to evaluate what steps he can take to make a difference. A newcomer to the Culture Chat committee, Josh, a Systems Test Engineer at General Dynamics Mission Systems, shares that he can already see a lot of potential to learn from others and “find new ways to be that loud voice that fights for others.”

Thank you DLE Culture Chat committee for exemplifying the power of collaboration, volunteerism and diversity.