My SMPS journey began with the Washington, D.C. chapter, where I participated in the mentor program early in my career. The experience helped me grow professionally, find my voice, and gain the confidence to advocate for myself.

When I moved to Los Angeles, joining the local SMPS chapter gave me an immediate connection to the A/E/C community. I once again participated in the mentor program, where I met professionals who would later become my coworkers at my next employer. I also joined the SMPS Los Angeles Social Media Committee to gain insights into committee work. SMPS provided more than professional development; it created relationships that directly shaped the next chapter of my career.

When I graduated from Clemson University in December 2020, I spent the next six months serving food at a local restaurant and applying for every job with the word marketing in the title. A classmate wasn't interested in the position, but they passed my résumé along to a family friend instead. That's how I found my way into the AEC industry as a Marketing Coordinator at a small architecture firm in Gastonia, North Carolina. 

At the time, I assumed career growth would come from working hard, keeping my head down, and gaining experience over time. I didn't realize that one decision, to volunteer for an SMPS committee, would completely change the trajectory of my career. I certainly had no idea that five years later, I would be leading the marketing department at my dream firm here in Colorado.