Diversity Leadership Program Testimonials
Hear from some of our previous DLP participants below.
"The DLP Program was a great success. This program provided me with the tools and experience needed to support my growth as a leader. In a world where seemingly every piece of information can be Googled, some knowledge can only be gained through experience. The DLP program is the best example of that. The program offers a great opportunity for growth both personally and professionally. I met some amazing individuals, including my mentor, The best moments shared with my mentor were when she shared her personal and professional life struggles in a consistently changing world which made me realize how we were similar in so many ways. Our regular monthly conversations helped me grow in both my personal and professional life. My class cohort, what can I say, is AMAZING and presented me with the opportunity to engage with wonderful individuals who have a niche for helping others navigate in Federal Student Aid. My advice to others is this: Join the DLP program to learn from each other, have fun, and enjoy the experience it will be the best challenge you ever accept."
- Donise C. Banks (2023-24 DLP Class)
"My experience being apart of the Diversity Leadership Program was an amazing one! Aside from the benefits we received such as paid access to the CFAA Application, Leadership Symposium, National Conference, etc., being selected for 23-24 DLP was exactly what I needed during this difficult 24-25 FAFSA Simplification year. The connections that I’ve made with the NASFAA staff, veteran financial aid professionals, and direct access to the mentorship - is priceless. The most underrated piece is my fellow 23-24 cohort (family) that I’ve had the chance to get to know. I’m so grateful that I was selected to go through this year with them. I’d recommend this program to anyone, and I look forward to connecting with the future cohorts in the years to come!"
- Marlon Jones Jr. (2023-24 DLP Class)
"The concepts of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) can often seem daunting and complex in their application to our daily lives. However, the DLP program unites some of the most committed individuals in addressing the critical challenges associated with DEI initiatives in higher education today. [The] DLP emphasizes that meaningful action extends far beyond the mere acknowledgment of these three letters. A key takeaway from my experience in the DLP program is the understanding that each individual embodies DEI principles, and every day presents a new opportunity to enhance our commitment to ourselves, our colleagues, and the diverse communities within higher education. There is no program in the United States quite like [the] DLP, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider joining the next cohort for this unique professional development opportunity."
- Chico Dimas (2023-24 DLP Class)
"The best part of this experience for me has been in finding community with administrators from all over the country and sharing our experiences. My DLP cohort were a wonderful group who I really enjoyed getting to work with this past year. The Diversity Leadership Program opened my eyes to the broader issues of financial aid as a national concern that is directly and indirectly influenced by the people doing this work at the highest level, including through engaging with politicians to change policy around higher education. It also helped me to see how much these important efforts can and do benefit from diversity and inclusion and renewed my commitment to DEI principles in my workplace and beyond."
- Amy Davies (2023-24 DLP Class)
"My experience in DLP is priceless. NASFAA made me feel like a valued member of our profession. They gave us the royal treatment of greater access to NASFAA leadership, and as a result, I am better connected and feel like I have a place beyond my state and region."
- Brandi Miller (2022-23 DLP Class)
"My experience with DLP was absolutely amazing. The connections with my peers, mentor, and professional NASFAA staff were terrific. I found it very beneficial while trying to advance in a financial aid profession with the valuable resources provided. I would recommend this opportunity to anyone trying to further their career; it takes you beyond just what you experience in the day-to-day financial aid world. It is great for exposure and networking with others you might not usually cross paths with at conferences and other events. I am incredibly grateful and appreciative of this opportunity and look forward to meeting the next cohort."
- Nicci Ratcliff (2022-23 DLP Class)
"My experience with NASFAA's DLP was amazing! The program has connected me with many awesome peers and a mentor that has taught me valuable professional advice. I've been exposed to various opportunities because of DLP and recently joined NASFAA's Ethic Commission as the chair. I'm looking forward to continued collaboration with my DLP cohort and NASFAA."
- Quinton Taylor (2021-22 DLP Class)
"I gained a wealth of experience and knowledge on how to navigate institutional structures and become a better administrator."
- Jayson Matlock (2020-21 DLP Class)
"My experience with NASFAA DLP has been extremely beneficial and I highly encourage every eligible person to apply. The most important aspect of this program for me was being able to meet regularly with a mentor and discuss topics across the gamut of easy and hard, large and small. I also personally enjoyed getting to know my cohort and bonding with them throughout the different in person events such as karaoke in D.C. and riding scooters in Austin. It was also beneficial for us to all be very similar in our positions to be able to have difficult discussions broaching issues like inclusivity, diversity, ethnicity, and equity."
- Carlos Garcia (2019-20 DLP Class)
"Throughout this whole program, it has been clear that NASFAA is taking action and 'walking the talk' of making sure that everyone is seen and heard. Everyone has a voice, and we are stronger when we break down barriers to make sure there is true equity in our processes and profession."
- Kelly Carrell (2018-19 DLP Class)
"It is an excellent program that provides exposure and networking opportunities for the participants. It takes you beyond the financial aid office experiences and connects you with legislation and the policymaking process."
- Samreen Khurram (2018-19 DLP Class)
"I would highly recommend FAA's who are interested in furthering their careers and advancing in the field apply for the DLP. Through the DLP, I was able to meet and interact with some very dynamic people as 'brothers' and 'sisters' in the cohort. I am also appreciative to NASFAA for putting the effort forward to help FAA's at member institutions take the next step in securing the pipeline for the future of the profession."
- Dameion Lovett (2018-19 DLP Class)
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural DLP group. Our cohort is a pretty amazing group of financial aid professionals. The opportunity to learn about our profession and the great things that folks are doing from the institutional to the national level has been pretty awesome!"
- Sylvia Martinez (2018-19 DLP Class)
"The DLP has been very instrumental in my involvement with my state association (DE-DC-MDASFAA). The Leadership and Legislative Conference and Expo's Association Governance Pathway was an amazing experience and definitely prepared me for the Federal Relations Chair role at Tri-State."
- Christopher Pollard (2018-19 DLP Class)
