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.
Beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, there will be two Susan Yohe PLDIC scholars; one student from Pitt Law and one student from Duquesne University School of Law who will each receive a $10,000 annual tuition scholarship. PLDIC member Duquesne Light Company has committed to funding the Coalition’s portion of the scholarship, $10,000 annually - $5,000 per law school, for at least the first six years. In addition, each law school has committed to providing an additional $5,000 for each scholar in their first year and has committed to supporting the scholar at the same or a greater level in their second and third years of law school.
Under Yohe’s leadership, the Pittsburgh legal community has been educated on and unified to fulfill the PLDIC’s mission to increase the hiring, retention, and inclusion of legal professionals from diverse backgrounds. Throughout her legal career, Yohe has been dedicated to advancing new lawyers, particularly law students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholarship honors Susan’s commitment to these causes by supporting future generations of Pittsburgh law students.
Recipients of the Susan Yohe PLDIC Scholarship must demonstrate a commitment to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Preference shall be given to individuals from underrepresented groups who demonstrate financial need. Future 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.
“On behalf of the Coalition, we are thrilled to be able to offer such a lasting tribute to Susan and to honor the strides that she has made in furthering the PLDIC’s mission,” said Ena Lebel, current PLDIC Executive Director. “We look forward to building a network of future lawyers who, like Susan, are passionate about improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession.”