DLA Youth Leadership Academy
Today’s Youth will become Tomorrow’s Leaders!
The DLA Youth Leadership Academy is a monthly leadership, education, and training program for high school juniors and seniors.
Facilitated by renowned diversity practitioners and other business and leadership consultants, students in the program acquire key leadership skills that they then utilize as leaders in their school-based organizations, community service groups, and volunteer work. More than just a leadership program, the DLA Youth Academy is a comprehensive initiative designed to provide financial support to all students in the Phoenix Union High School district and encourage them to pursue a two-year community college education, a baccalaureate degree at one of our State institutions, or acquire a skill by attending a trade school. The maximum scholarship amount of $3,000 per youth scholar can be used for tuition, books, fees, or any other hurdles that serve as barriers to accessing post-secondary education, as the funds are disbursed directly to the students.
The DLA Leadership Academy workshop topics encompass personal branding, emotional intelligence, trauma, mental health, and key lessons on activating your genuine, authentic self. One of the most critical aspects of the program is teaching the students how to brand themselves as leaders and learn to frame their narratives by expressing empathy and self-awareness through experiential exercises that replicate real-life scenarios. These hands-on exercises provide the youth with one-of-a-kind training they would not otherwise receive in a school setting.[/column]
Core Curriculum
- Personal Branding
- Perception management
- Storytelling and narrative building
- Developing your Genuine, authentic voice
- 5 P’s – personal, professional, public, peaceful & private self
- Career Exploration
- How to apply for scholarships
- How to deal with challenging situations and adversity
- Listening skills and empathy
- Presentation techniques
- Emotional Intelligence
Youth Leadership Program Co-Chairs
Tondra Richardson
Director, Engagement Strategy & Program Development
University of Phoenix
Youth Leadership Co-Chair
Angela Salazar
Equity Programs Manager, YWCA
Youth Leadership Co-ChairWe encourage and reward active participation and have created a safe space for students to practice many of the skills taught. The future is about our Youth and together we will create a brave new world that is inclusive and embraces and celebrates our differences.
A special thank you to Mary Wrobel, our Phoenix Union High School District liaison, and all the dedicated Counselors who pour so much time, effort, and love into our students. We honor and appreciate your hard work and dedication.
2025 Bob Enderle / DLA Youth Leadership Scholars
- Rune Nord-Zheng
Phoenix Coding Academy
$2,500.00
Community Issue: Immigration / Deportation
- Hailey Young
Betty Fairfax
$1,500.00
Community Issue: Access to the Arts
- Guadalupe Dela Cruz Camacho
Metro Tech
$1,000.00
Community Issue: Access to Mentorship
- Dulce Bravo
Franklin Police and Fire
$1,000.00
Community Issue: Access to Clean Water
- Matuda Tehamma
Camelback
$500.00
Community Issue: Mental Health
- Zariah Pittman
Bioscience
$500.00
Community Issue: Representation in Medicine
- Jordan Tamayo
Phoenix Coding Academy
$500.00
Community Issue: Awareness/Support/Access to Mental Health Services
- Yazmin Gonzalez Sanchez
Camelback
$500.00
Community Issue: Violence in the Community
- Rachel Zheng
Bioscience
$500.00
Community Issue: Women in STEM Fields
- Jaslene Ramirez
Alhambra
$500.00
Community Issue: Financial Resources for Higher Education
- Ny’Briah Bedford
Cesar Chavez
$500.00
Community Issue: Teen Homelessness
- Gabriella Bastida
Phoenix Coding Academy
$500.00
Community Issue: Financial Literacy
Congratulations Rune Nord Zheng, our $2,500 scholarship winner!
A heartfelt thank you to the BOB ENDERLE Family, who are the generous Scholarship donors who keep this program moving forward!
2025 Scholarship essay highlights
SCHOLARSHIP QUESTION: Bob Enderle was a community activist, a proud member of the DLA board, and instrumental in forming the Youth Leadership Academy. This scholarship is named in his honor to keep his Legacy alive! Bob always made sure everyone felt like a part of his family, as he believed that “strangers are the family you haven’t met yet.” He was an example of practicing what you preach.
QUESTION: How do YOU create a sense of belonging and unity in your community, and how does Bob Enderle’s belief about “strangers being the family you haven’t met yet” inspire your actions every day?
“Everyone has a story that is worth hearing, and all it takes is a single act of kindness to turn a stranger into a friend. Bob Enderle’s belief that ” Strangers are the family you haven’t met yet” inspires me to create spaces of belonging and unity wherever I go.”
“Bob Enderle believed that “strangers are the family you haven’t met yet,” and that idea has really stuck with me. In my community, I try to create a sense of belonging by being open, welcoming, and making sure people feel heard. Whether it’s including someone new in a conversation or helping a friend through a tough time, I always try to make people feel like they matter.”
“Bob Enderle’s belief that “strangers are the family you haven’t met yet” deeply resonates with me. It reminds me that every person I encounter has a story, struggles, and joys just like I do. This perspective inspires me to approach others with warmth and openness, to break down barriers, and to foster connections that turn strangers into friends and friends into family”.
“Bob Enderle once said, “Strangers are the family you haven’t met yet.” I take that to heart. This implies that I approach everyone I meet with an open heart and mind, prepared to listen and absorb new information. It involves making an extra effort to help others feel included, whether that be by asking someone to join a group activity, providing assistance to someone in need, or just striking up a discussion with someone who might be feeling lonely.”
“I strongly believe the broader message that Bob Enderle was attempting to convey is that even those persons who are at first strangers—due to different backgrounds, different personalities, or different circumstances where we just haven’t met yet—can be family connections in significant ways. It shows that time and opportunities make such connections instead of just a faceless person. Thus, Enderle’s quote challenges us to see strangers as potential new friends who transcend the notion of friends who are here one minute and gone the next.”
“Be able to have an open mind and vulnerable conversations regarding Equity and Inclusion.”
Jackson Asante Whitaker
2020 DLA Youth Leader
Frequently Asked Questions
2. What opportunities do students have to apply their learning?
Students actively participate in workshops where they practice skills in a safe environment. They engage in open dialogues and interact with counselors, gaining different perspectives on the topics discussed.
3. What are the scholarship opportunities provided by DLA?
DLA offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000 to eligible students who complete youth leadership development. These scholarships have totaled $250,000 since 2019, helping many students pursue college education.
4. How do students contribute to the DLA Annual Conference?
Students participate as speakers and attendees at the DLA Annual Conference, where they engage in workshops and learn alongside community leaders. This interaction helps bridge generational gaps and promotes inclusive community building.
5. What is the DLA Youth Diversity Leadership Academy?
This academy, in partnership with Phoenix Union High School District, provides 125 students with monthly diversity and education training. Funded by local sponsors, the leadership development program prepares students for leadership roles and offers scholarships at completion.