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Diversity Professional Leadership Network

The Diversity Professional Leadership Network (DPLN) program is a year long credit bearing externship opportunity designed for traditionally underrepresented and underserved students focused on career development and preparation.

About the Program

Benefits for Students

Students in the DPLN program will be assigned a professional mentor from a participating host company, and attend weekly professional development workshops, networking events, or employer hosted events.  This gives them the opportunity to learn about different industries while developing relationships with employers. 

Benefits for Employers

To meet the recruitment needs of employers, DPLN serves as a pipeline program that helps underrepresented  minority students who want to secure an internship, full-time job, or prepare for graduate school.  Employers who participate in this program are able to connect with diverse student talent while providing guidance and mentorship.

Fast Facts
  • Developed in 2007 as a response to diversity recruitment requests from employers.
  • Over 480 students have completed the program since its inception.
  • The 2021-2022 academic year saw the largest cohort, with over 100 students.

DPLN Employer Host Companies

  • Amazon
  • Broadridge Financial Solutions
  • Brookhaven National Laboratory
  • Canon USA
  • Enterprise Holdings
  • Family Residences and Essential Enterprises
  • GEICO
  • Henry Schein
  • KPMG
  • Moody's
  • PSEG
  • Options for Community Living
  • Target
  • Société Générale
  • Stony Brook University Hospital
  • YAI
Interested in becoming a DPLN Host Company?

Set up a meeting with Kimberly Joy Dixon  to learn more.

AERTC

Mentor

“On a personal level, this program rekindled my love for precepting or teaching which I have lost access to since I came into an administration role. I have seriously considered going back to my Doctorate degree to be able to teach in the future. Thank you to all who worked hard to make this program accessible for the students.” 

CEWIT

Mentor

"The student I worked with was energetic and enthusiastic so his energy was contagious.  The gentle guidance and suggestions made in our conversation were collaborative and inspiring.  He taught me so much!"

Skull

Mentor

"The program was well organized with the introduction informational packet, frequent and regular updates, questions always answered, and the mentee was highly committed to the relationship."

Irene Okyere

Irene Okyere, Student

"I loved being part of DPLN because it not only provides students with connections but it pushes us to take advantage of all it has to offer. "

Irene Okyere, Student"I loved being part of DPLN because it not only provides students with connections but it pushes us to take advantage of all it has to offer. "... Watch a Video about Irene
Angel Velazquez

Angel Velazquez, Student

"DPLN has changed my trajectory in ways that I can not even imagine.  For instance, I went from being a kid not knowing where to go and not having a. lot of opportunities for me to actually being flown to San Francisco to Texas absolutely free.  DPLN really gave me the skills, leadership and communication I needed."

Arlene Alvarez

Arlene Alvarez, Student

"I feel like with the DPLN program, people know my face now, and it is very meaningful that I can come in and I feel that atmosphere that I can get any help.  My biggest takeaway was the long lasting connection with my peers and Career Center staff."

Arlene Alvarez

Ricardo Yolas, Student

"Being part of DPLN allowed me to connect with mentors from industry and a lot of faculty and staff members on campus.  I am so thankful for the opportunities I received from being in this program and being involved with the Career Center."

Ricardo Yolas, Student"Being part of DPLN allowed me to connect with mentors from industry and a lot of faculty and staff members on campus.  I am so thankful for the opportunities I received from being in this program and being involved with the Career Center."... Watch a Video about Ricardo