Note: Andrew attended the DLE Retreat during his senior year at Syracuse University. He currently works as Manager of Sports Partnership and Marketing at SiriusXM.

After the DLE retreat I was part of in 2011, I told Linda (Dulye), “This was the most diverse group I’ve had the pleasure of spending an extended amount of time with since I arrived on campus four years ago.”

It didn’t feel like much beyond just an observation at the time, but nearly a decade later, it’s apparent now more than ever just how impactful this aspect of the Dulye Leadership Experience alone was for me.

Diversity is important. Without it, true growth and learning can be hindered greatly. In order to mature and develop as a professional in the workplace, it’s important to expose yourself to a variety of different scenarios, social circles and ways of living.

If your goal is to be a leader, you need to be able to connect with people from all different walks of life, and the DLE does a great job of bringing that concept (and many other valuable concepts) to life.