This Diversity Month, we celebrate the beauty of diversity and the strength that comes from embracing our differences. We are proud to introduce our incredible SMPS DEI Committee members, who work tirelessly to foster a more inclusive, respectful, and welcoming community for everyone.
Our DEI Committee consists of passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Together, we create initiatives that promote equality, understanding, and personal growth. Whether through awareness campaigns, educational resources, or by highlighting our unique differences, our committee members strive to make a positive impact every day.
Let’s join together to celebrate and honor the diversity that makes us stronger!
Years in the Industry:
3.5 Years
What part of your job inspires you to succeed?
What really motivates me is the direct impact we make on people's lives, especially in health, education, and faith. Seeing our projects succeed and create positive change is incredibly rewarding. I'm also inspired by the passion of the people in this industry and the meaningful relationships I've formed. And I'm incredibly lucky to work with the supportive and talented team at CDH, whose dedication pushes me to excel.
How has SMPS impacted your network and career?
SMPS has been a significant asset to my early career in AEC marketing. Since joining in 2022, I've found it to be a valuable support system and learning environment. My work with the membership and DEI committees has allowed me to build connections and contribute to meaningful diversity initiatives, which has positively impacted my professional development.
Where in the world is your family from or what is your family background?
My family is from a small country in Southeast Asia called Laos!
Years in the Industry:
About 3 Years
What part of your job inspires you to succeed?
I really enjoy making connections with a variety of individuals and engineers by working together on proposals and knowing that I was able to help create something that speaks to the clients. When we win a project it feels like we win as a team.
How has SMPS impacted your network and career?
SMPS has enabled me to meet so many other people in the industry who have similar jobs to me, but also who have very different jobs. It has really taught me about the variety of jobs, services and more that are in the AEC industry as well as shown me different ways people do the same job I do.
Where in the world is your family from or what is your family background?
My Dad is from Puerto Rico and my Mom is from Germany.
Years in the Industry:
15 Years
What part of your job inspires you to succeed?
Collaboration with others, both internally and externally.
How has SMPS impacted your network and career?
I have made key relationships which have helped me gain a wealth of local industry knowledge and insight including firms we work with and projects on the horizon. Also, I have learned valuable information through some of the trainings/annual meetings I have been able to attend. I look forward to continuing being involved with SMPS and developing a solid professional network.
Where in the world is your family from or what is your family background?
My heritage is mostly Irish, followed by Italian, English, and German. My father is Irish and Italian, with family origins from Ireland and Italy a few generations back. My mother is Irish, English, and German. I grew up in the northeast United States.
Years in the Industry:
9 Years
What part of your job inspires you to succeed?
The people and the culture in our company. FTI is a family-owned company with an incredible legacy of commitment to excellence, innovation and personal and professional growth. Our "why we do what we do" is "Lives well lived. Foundations well built." Everyone in our firm works towards these daily which is a wonderful environment to be a part of and inspires *me* to be the absolute best version of myself.
How has SMPS impacted your network and career?
I majored in Marketing because it seemed like the most fun set of courses in the Business School, and I haven't been disappointed. I've been in Marketing in general all of my career (over 35 years) but had zero experience or engagement with the A/E/C industry when I joined my current company 9 years ago. I quickly found value in the resources and support provided by SMPS. The organization played a pivotal role in helping me navigate the complexities of the industry, from understanding its unique acronyms to grasping the interconnectedness of its various business disciplines. The growth opportunities and the networking with fellow SMPS members as well as the overall A/E/C industry has been a huge part of assimilating well and succeeding in my position.
Where in the world is your family from or what is your family background?
My family on both sides come primarily from Europe. England and Scotland with a wee bit of Irish in the mix. Both sides of my family tree have been in the South, mostly Georgia, for several generations. We drink sweet tea, enjoy our porches and raise a glass to "Go Dawgs!".
Years in the Industry:
7 Years
What part of your job inspires you to succeed?
I truly love being a storyteller for our company. I am inspired by the team I work with and the dedication to finding creative solutions for our clients.
How has SMPS impacted your network and career?
SMPS is the place to be for A/E/C marketers. I've had an amazing experience being a part of Membership and DEI committees. It's wonderful to connect with individuals who understand the challenges and creative opportunities in this industry. I feel like I've gained a wealth of knowledge from the people I've met and classes/events I've attended. It's been invaluable to my career.
Where in the world is your family from or what is your family background?
I am Hispanic and grew up in upstate SC, but was born in Los Angeles, CA. On my mom's side, she's from El Salvador. My dad is from Mexico. I connect with my culture the most through the food and music.
Years in the Industry:
10 Years
What part of your job inspires you to succeed?
I love winning proposals—who doesn't, right? One of my greatest inspirations comes from my technical team. Collaborating with Landscape Architects, Engineers, and Surveyors motivates me because of the incredible work they do. Hearing their stories from the field and witnessing the final product drives my inspiration when I work on proposals or promote their services.
How has SMPS impacted your network and career?
SMPS has been incredible since I joined six years ago! Connecting with others who share similar experiences and challenges has been truly rewarding. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Director of the DEI Committee. This role has allowed me to collaborate with a fantastic team and inspired me to grow while celebrating our amazing differences.
Where in the world is your family from or what is your family background?
I’m 100% Puerto Rican! Both of my parents are from Puerto Rico, and we have a Chilerrican family at home! My husband is from Chile, and together, we have a Chilerrican girl.
