I often talk about my DELP experience from the perspective of an alumna. But what is it like for someone new to the program? I’d like to introduce to you a couple of the members of the Class of 2011-2013, Martha Ramirez, SPHR from the Society for Human Resources Management and Donte Shannon from the Association of American Medical Colleges. Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to them about their experiences as a new DELP scholar.
Association Advocacy Chick: What led each of you to apply for the Diversity Executive Leadership Program?
Martha Ramirez: The DELP program is one of a kind in the association world or any other industry for that matter. I wanted to be part of a community that would allow me to grow and develop with peers who were like me, who understood our unique challenges. As a female Latina, I don’t see a lot of people like me and with DELP, I believe I am receiving exposure but also want to be a role model for others. We learn from each other and from the DELPers that came before us.
Donte Shannon: Before DELP, I had not met many non-profit executives who looked like me. I expressed this concern, along with an uncertainty of whether I belonged in non-profit management, with my co-worker Valerie Clark. She informed me about the DELP program and elaborated on the experiences and opportunities that she has taken advantage of being a DELP Scholar. After hearing what she had to say, and doing some research online about ASAE, I thought that DELP would be just the thing I needed in order to keep my career momentum steady.
AAC: Donte, what qualities must one possess to be a DELP Scholar?
DS: Common qualities that I have noticed among DELP Scholars are:
- Relentless ambition
- A sense of purpose and direction
- A hunger for personal growth and career development
- Independent thinker
- An element of fun & adventure
AAC: Martha, as a member of the class of 2011-2013, what are the expectations for you and your classmates over the next year and a half?
MR: The program is really up to each person to make it what they want. For me, it introduced me to a whole new community of peers and leaders. We are given a variety of networking and coaching opportunities and invited to be part of the broader association community. It’s really up to us to invest the time and the effort to leverage those opportunities and make something happen for ourselves and for other diverse colleagues. For some, that may be the avenue to a new opportunity and for others it may be just learning how to work better with what you have. In any case, we grow and learn and that’s a great thing.
AAC: Donte, there’s been a lot of discussion about visibility in the association community. What role does DELP play in increasing the visibility of association professionals from underrepresented backgrounds?
DS: In my opinion, the most significant role DELP has in increasing visibility is through networking opportunities. DELP continues to provide a more enriched networking opportunity for me than any other means of networking in the association world. I don’t believe that I would have been able to shake hands with half of the association executives that I have met in the past six months, had I not been a DELP Scholar.
AAC: Martha, six months into the program, what have you gained from your experience?
MR: A new family and community. The program is over 10 years old and the alumni are just as engaged and involved as the current class. It’s refreshing to see this level of participation.
AAC: What’s the one thing you both wished you knew about DELP that you’ve learned since becoming a scholar?
MR: I wish I knew what a powerful, connected and engaged group I was joining so that I could have started networking with them SOONER! I feel so honored to be part of this program. Now that I’ve come to know some of these people, I am constantly impressed and amazed at what they have to offer and what I can learn from them. As I get more into it, I also want to know more about what I can do for others and how I can give back, whether they are in DELP or not. We need to support and encourage one another.
DS: I wish I had known more about the legacy of leadership that past DELP Scholars have created. While I’m honored to be a part of this great group of professionals, it’s intimidating to know that I too, have been selected as a DELP Scholar in order to continue this legacy.
Applications for the DELP class of 2012-2014 are now being accepted. All applications and supporting materials are due to ASAE no later than Friday March 16 at 5:00 pm Eastern. To learn more about DELP or to apply, please click here.
Association Advocacy Chick 
Very timely post! I’m so glad that you featured 2 of our newest DELP colleagues. Congrats Donte and Martha. I look forward to hearing more from you both in the blogosphere and seeing you at more association programs/events. We’re so fortunate to have you in our DELP family!
Yes,thanks for your timely blog Stefanie aka Association Advocacy Chick. Donte and Martha hit the nail on the head. I, too, wished that I had known about DELP much earlier but as they say better late than never. Sometimes, it’s all in timing and you have to know when to seize the momentl. DELP has been empowering and magnificent for my professional growth as well. The strong network of friends who share common stories and experiences, the leadership training, and the opportunity to be expose and to sit for the CAE is PRICELESS. Also, as a DELP scholar/alumnae, we are forever bonded and it’s our intent to give back to ASAE and the association world to show that the program is well worth the investment in us. Congratulations to all DELP scholars and to the future DELPs!!