MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: YOUNGEST DLE MEMBER ANTHONY TELLADIRA FINDS OPPORTUNITY AND A COMMUNITY WITH THE DLE

By Olivia Moen, DLE Copywriter/Content Creator Intern, Undergraduate at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

It is never too soon to start thinking about your future goals. Anthony Telladira, who at age 18 is the youngest active DLE member, has taken full control of his ambitions.

A 2022 graduating senior at Pittsfield (MA) High School, Anthony first heard about the DLE while working his server shift at the popular Proprietor’s Lodge restaurant in the Berkshires. His boss Candace Lyon, who was familiar with the DLE organization, thought Anthony would be a perfect candidate for the leadership program. She connected Anthony with DLE Founder Linda Dulye.

“I sent Linda an email, we had several exchanges and I started to get involved. I quickly met people and even participated in events. I immediately knew it was something I wanted to dedicate my time to,” Anthony recalls.

A familiar face at in-person Coffee, Conversation and Connections, Anthony also has joined in volunteer projects, including the garage clean-out project with Construct Inc. held this past spring.

“It is so important to help out those who are less fortunate,” he notes. “It was so nice to see that the DLE makes an effort to give back. This is something that really pulled me into becoming a member. It is obvious that Linda and all the members really care about their impact beyond the DLE community.”

Anthony’s involvement in DLE programs has provided an outlet for improving his communication skills and practicing networking. His interpersonal skills have sharpened through building relationships with DLE members from different generations. “I’m interacting with others and learning how to communicate with people on a professional level, something that I don’t get at school,” he points out.

Anthony is excited for his next personal challenge–attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he plans to study electrical engineering. “I have always excelled primarily with math and physics. The engineering courses and programs I have done in this field have helped me realize what the right path is for me,” he shares.