Denval Lawrence

Tell us about your work as co-chair of the FLY mentorship committee and your recently launched Lean In for Young Professionals program.

My work as the co-chair of the FLY mentorship committee and the subsequent launch of the Lean In for Young Professionals program has been so fulfilling. I am learning so much regarding various resources here at Yale, managing a budget, and partnering with other affinity groups. I will continue to enjoy the ride of planning the next 4 sessions of this five-part series with my partner Julia Hsieh.

What inspired you to get involved with the mentorship program?

I think my background in Human Resources, listening to various tidbits of feedback about workplace barriers, and wanting to provide a solution inspired me to get involved with the creation of the mentorship program.  I think it is important for young professionals to feel heard, be given a platform to voice questions or opinions, and be directed towards the appropriate resources to foster the growth and development of their careers and aspirations. Then I met Julia and she drove the “Lean In” approach, which was a great concept to pair with our ideas.

What impact do you hope your program will have on young professionals at Yale?

I think this program systematically touches upon so many hot topics for young professionals at Yale. There is so much raw talent in Yale’s young professionals community and they want opportunities to career progress, navigate difficult conversations, become “future leaders” (no pun intended), and influence change within our organization for the future.  This program has a chance to not only impact the way we look at mentorship, but also may aid in shaping Yale’s future talent and leadership by providing numerous avenues of knowledge and access to key resources within our own community.

What is the best advice you’ve gotten as a young professional?

The best advice that I’ve received was to not be afraid to insert myself and make recommendations upon the changes that I want to see happen here at Yale.  - Deb Stanley-McAulay