Attendees give a standing ovation to Linda’s Crusade for Conversations speech

Honored for her philanthropy, community activism and active volunteerism, DLE President and Founder Linda Dulye is the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Ruth P. Boraski She Knows Where She’s Going Award presented by the Girls Inc. of the Berkshires.

More than a dozen DLE members were among the 130 attendees at the May 4 award celebration of Linda’s selection as the 33rd recipient of the annual award which recognizes role models for girls. The event also recognized 10 highly accomplished, high school seniors from various schools in the Berkshires, who received scholarship awards for college.

In a spirited speech after accepting the award, Linda aligned her Crusade for Conversations campaign for improving communication and interaction with a dire Advisory issued this month by the U.S. Surgeon General. The Advisory declares the absence of human connection has led to an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, which is life threatening.

“The Surgeon General called on Americans to take action now to strengthen human connections. I have dedicated most of my life–personally and professionally–to advance that cause as a crusader for conversations. And I invite everyone here tonight to join me as a Crusader for Conversation,” said Linda in rallying an enthusiastic audience.

She continued, “Conversations open the door to amazing dreams, friendships, jobs, promotions, marriages, vacations, dining experiences, internships, business opportunities, and our individual and collective well-being.”

Linda provided a Conversation Compass with these three guide points for creating conversations:

• Take stock of your conversation practice. How many minutes during a day do you actively initiate and engage in conversations? Track yourself over a 24-hour period and challenge yourself to start three conversations a day. Increase that number and duration of your conversations each week.
• Increase your inquiry skills. Fire up your curiosity by adopting a simple inquiry mantra that Linda has used with thousands in her consulting work. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from and about someone?” The answer to the question is limitless and the connection possibilities it offers are priceless.
• End the kids table. Stop the polarizing practice of segregating kids from adults and elders during family gatherings. Children should be seen and heard with a seat at the table, where they can comfortably learn how to converse with others who are different.

For media coverage of the event, click here.

DLE members joining in the Girls Inc. celebration are (left to right) Anna Worley, Prince Abanulo, Mariette Abanulo, Linda Dulye, Alexis King, Kalee Carmel, Allison Schmitt, AJ Enchill

Linda Dulye airing her Crusade for Conversations at the She Knows Where She’s Going Award Celebration

Among attendees were (left to right) Roger Gibboni, Linda Dulye, Pittsfield Council President Pete Marchetti and Pittsfield City Councilor Pete White

Linda Dulye (left) with President of the Girls Inc. Board of Directors Melissa Mazzeo (right)

Linda Dulye (center front) with Berkshire-area high school seniors receiving college scholarships for their academic, civic and volunteer accomplishments