![\"What\u2019s](\"https:\/\/smps.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/goodwin-1200.webp\")
In my 20+ years of A\/E\/C marketing, I have yet to meet anyone who dreamed of becoming a professional services marketer (or business developer). Have you? Many of my friends and colleagues often joke and reminisce about how they stumbled upon their careers. Sure, it might not be right for some. But I know I\u2019m not the only one who can\u2019t imagine doing anything else.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s my hope that one day our profession is seen and sought after by smart, driven people who want to have a small part in making a big difference in shaping the communities around them. And I\u2019m so excited to know that day may be closer than we think.<\/p>\n
Over the summer, I hope you heard about the partnership between SMPS and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to establish the SMPS Foundation Zinsmeyer Scholarship. It focuses on the fields of architecture, construction management, engineering, marketing, mass communications, and public relations.<\/p>\n
It all started with a gift\u2014a lead gift of $25,000<\/strong> to the SMPS Foundation\u2014from SMPS co-founder and member No. 1 Andy Zinsmeyer to increase diversity and mentoring opportunities in SMPS and the marketing profession. Working in conjunction with the Society\u2019s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force, the application process launched in June 2021.<\/p>\n Scholarships are being awarded based on need, up to $1,500<\/strong> each. In addition to tuition support, scholarship recipients also receive mentorship, SMPS student membership, and access to SMPS programming.<\/p>\n In less than three months, a total of 129 applications<\/strong> were received! Due to overwhelming support, an additional $7,500<\/strong> was raised, which will fund up to five additional scholarships.<\/p>\n I couldn\u2019t be prouder of the work SMPS and the SMPS Foundation are doing to provide resources, research and education to our current members, and to those who don\u2019t even know yet the opportunities available to them. Thanks to this scholarship fund and to those who donated, we\u2019re exposing a new generation to A\/E\/C marketing, while also taking steps to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion in our industry.<\/p>\n If you would like to help support the research and advocacy of the SMPS Foundation, I encourage you to do so. Your donation will have an impact, and it may just make someone\u2019s dream come true.<\/p>\n