I joined SMPS Colorado in 2019, shortly after starting at Saunders Construction and entering the AEC industry. Within about six months of joining and attending a handful of events, I started hearing from both SMPS members I had met, and my team at Saunders about the opportunity to take the next step and join a committee.

At the time, I was a young marketing graduate with very little real-world experience. I knew if I was going to grow, I needed more than just exposure. I needed opportunities to contribute, build skills, and learn from people who were already doing the work at a high level. I chose the Communications Committee intentionally. I had a background in graphic design but knew I needed exposure in professional writing — especially when it came to email campaigns, newsletters, or social media strategy.

Volunteering gave me a place to work on those skills in a real setting, alongside people who knew what they were doing.

From day one, I was welcomed in. It didn’t take long to feel like part of the team — I contributed where I could and learned as I went. I started with social media and built from there. More importantly, I built relationships, and the first people I met through that committee are still people I work with today.

Expanding My Role — and My Network

After about two years on Communications, I took a short break from volunteering but stayed engaged as a member. Then, as my role at Saunders shifted, I began spending more time in Colorado Springs — helping lead business development for a new office location. Naturally, I looked to SMPS.

I found the Southern Colorado Committee and joined. Just like before, I was met with the same welcoming energy and genuine interest in getting me involved. That experience pushed me in new ways.

Working alongside other committees, we planned regional programs, membership events, and education opportunities. It helped me build relationships quickly in a new market and expand my experience into event planning and coordination.

Within my first year, I stepped into the Co-Chair role, and shortly after, into the Director role.

Stepping Into Leadership

As Director, I helped shape the direction of the committee, starting with the annual board retreat and carrying that through execution. It was one of the most practical leadership experiences I’ve had — leading a team of peers, planning a full year of programming, and coordinating across committees. More than anything, it built my confidence.

This past year, I stepped into the Director at Large role on the SMPS Colorado Board — serving an extended 16-month term as the chapter transitions its fiscal calendar.

The role focuses on supporting the President’s goals, leading special projects, and helping committee directors where needed.

So far, I’ve been able to contribute to student outreach efforts, support informed, board-level decision making through research, and gain a better understanding of what it takes to run an organization at a high level.

Along the way, I’ve built strong friendships, found mentors I trust, and had the chance to mentor others. I also have a network of people I can call when something comes up — and know they’ll help me think through it.

Where It Pays Off for Business

There’s also a clear business development impact. Being involved gives you a reason to connect. It opens doors to conversations with owners, partners, and others in the industry in a way that feels natural — not transactional. You’re not asking for something — you’re starting a conversation around something shared, and that goes a long way.

If you’re only attending events, you’re getting value — but not the full picture. Volunteering is where relationships build faster and where you become more connected to the organization and the people in it.

Where to Start

If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, take a look at the committees:

• Communications
• Community Outreach
• Education
• Membership
• Northern Colorado
• Programs
• Sponsorship
• Southern Colorado

Final Thought

Volunteering with SMPS has been one of the most impactful decisions in my career. It’s helped me grow, build meaningful relationships, and step into leadership earlier than I otherwise would have.

If you’ve been thinking about it, here’s your push of encouragement. Send that email to the committee director you’ve been considering joining.