American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) has named 12 association professionals to the 2026-2028 class of its Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP).
Now in its 26th year, DELP is a two-year leadership program for association professionals. Scholars receive ASAE membership, mentoring, professional development, and access to ASAE events.
DELP names 2026-2028 scholars
The 2026-2028 DELP class will begin its program during DELP Orientation and the DELP Reunion, June 12-14, in Detroit.
“Congratulations to the 2026-2028 Class of DELP Scholars, who represent the talent, perspectives, and potential that will shape the future of association leadership,” says Michelle Mason, president and chief executive officer of ASAE. “For 26 years, DELP has been a cornerstone of ASAE’s commitment to Conscious Inclusion and leadership development, helping build a stronger and more representative pipeline of leaders for our profession.”
Mason adds, “We are honored to welcome this new class of scholars and look forward to supporting their growth, connecting them to opportunity, and serving as their professional home throughout their careers.”
Throughout the program, scholars receive registration, travel, and lodging for the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition and other educational events. In addition, they receive mentoring and leadership-development opportunities across the association community.
Visit Detroit continues program support
ASAE also recognized Visit Detroit for its support of the program. According to ASAE, Visit Detroit has partnered with DELP for more than two decades.
The organization says DELP has supported more than 270 leaders in the association community.
A volunteer leadership structure introduced last year gives the DELP community a larger role in working with ASAE and Visit Detroit. The inaugural chair and vice chair are David “DJ” Johnson, senior director of association governance operations at The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and Rita Chen Fujisawa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the California Association of Health Facilities.
“Congratulations to the 12 association professionals selected for the 2026-2028 DELP class,” Johnson says. “Each scholar brings a strong desire to grow as a leader and strengthen their impact on their organizations, careers, the association profession, and ASAE.”
2026-2028 DELP class
The 2026-2028 class of DELP scholars includes:
Haleema M. Burton, senior manager of member engagement, American Staffing Association, Alexandria, Virginia
Sheila Desai, director of equity and inclusive practices, National Association of School Psychologists, Bethesda, Maryland
Cynthia Jimenez, senior manager of workforce pipeline and engagement, California Society of CPAs, Sacramento, California
Jose Marroquin, manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Society of Actuaries, Chicago, Illinois
Ashley Martinez, associate director of innovation, Heart Rhythm Society, Washington, D.C.
Jennifer Mehltretter, director of membership and constituent services, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Dundee, Michigan
Nicola Mohan, senior manager, Society of Women Engineers, Chicago, Illinois
Samson Reiny, director of media and public relations, American Geophysical Union, Washington, D.C.
Benjamin Rome, senior director of content, American Bus Association, Washington, D.C.
Nichole Sorhaindo, managing director, American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C.
LaToya Tapscott, vice president of membership and strategic partnerships, Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC), Brooklyn Park, Maryland
Margarita Valdez Martinez, chief advocacy officer, American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, Washington, D.C.
About ASAE
ASAE is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. Established 100 years ago, ASAE supports association professionals across more than a dozen management disciplines, from executive management to finance and technology. With support from the ASAE Research Foundation, ASAE provides learning, research, resources, education, ideas, and advocacy for the association and nonprofit community. For more info, visit www.asaecenter.org.
Press release submitted by Chris Vest, ASAE. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
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