The Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition (PLDIC), in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and the Duquesne University School of Law, has created the Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholarship to honor Susan Yohe's lifetime of service to championing and furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Pittsburgh legal community. Yohe is one of the PLDIC's founders and served as its Executive Director from its inception in 2017 until her retirement in July 2021. PLDIC member Duquesne Light Company has committed to funding the Coalition's scholarship portion.
Dominique Rodriguez, a graduate of the University of New Mexico, is the University of Pittsburgh School of Law's inaugural recipient of the Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholarship. She will receive a $10,000 tuition scholarship, per year, for all three years of law school. "I am beyond grateful and excited to be the Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholarship recipient," said Rodriguez. "While this scholarship has lessened my financial burden to focus on law school, it has also motivated me to continue my engagement with DEI in the legal profession. As an underrepresented minority, this scholarship is a reminder of the ways that I can help serve and represent my communities in the legal profession."
Recipients of the Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholarship must demonstrate a commitment to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholars will also be invited to meet with the PLDIC Board of Directors, the PLDIC Executive Director, the Deans of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and Duquesne University School of Law, and leadership from Duquesne Light Company. They will be highlighted and introduced to the 42 PLDIC member organizations through the PLDIC newsletter, social media, and at the PLDIC Annual Members Meeting. Additionally, as more law students are named Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholars, the PLDIC will develop an alumni network for the recipients.