DSU Strada Scholars attend leadership summit in Dallas

Delaware State University was well-represented at the 2025 Strada HBCU Leadership Summit in Dallas, Texas, where a group of DSU students participated in an enriching weekend of professional development, networking, and leadership growth. The event provided students with opportunities to engage with top employers and connect with peers from across the country.

Pia Stokes, DSU’s Director of Grants Development and Management, expressed her pride in the students who represented the university at the event. “Feeling incredibly proud and inspired after spending the weekend with 10 of Delaware State University’s finest — our Strada Scholars — at the 2025 Strada HBCU Leadership Summit in Dallas, Texas!” Stokes said. “Our Hornets represented DSU with excellence, confidence, and school pride every step of the way. Whether rocking their school gear or standing out in career-ready professional attire, they made a lasting impression on every stage.”

The summit offered a range of activities to help students grow, including professional headshots, leadership development sessions, and networking opportunities. A standout feature was the Career Expo, where leading employers like Deloitte, Eli Lilly, and Wells Fargo were present, looking to connect with talented students.

Dekemanee A. Gbehnyan, a sophomore majoring in Aviation at DSU, reflected on the impactful experience of the summit. “Attending the Strada HBCU Leadership Summit in Dallas was an eye-opening and empowering experience,” Gbehnyan shared. “I was surrounded by brilliant, driven individuals from across the country, and it reminded me of the strength and potential within our HBCU community.”

For Gbehnyan, one of the summit’s most valuable lessons was the importance of leading with purpose. “One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of intentional leadership—leading with purpose and vision, not just for self-growth but to uplift those around us,” he said. “The summit reignited my passion for service and reminded me why I chose to pursue a career in aviation: to create pathways for others and to be a visible example of what’s possible.”

Pia Stokes also praised the summit’s ability to help students develop their leadership skills. “The summit was designed to elevate, connect, and prepare our students for future success,” she said. “Our students came back with new skills, stronger networks, and a renewed sense of purpose.”

The Strada HBCU Leadership Summit provided DSU students with not only the tools to advance in their careers but also the motivation to lead with impact and serve their communities.