As we enter this time of year—a season of gratitude, giving, and yes, even growth—I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible influence and impact that each of us brings to the table, both personally and professionally. The work we do, the connections we foster, and the contributions we make ripple outward in ways we can’t always see, creating ecosystems that promote change.
None of this is possible without engagement. Engagement is not just an act of participation; it’s about bringing our full selves to the moment with intention. It’s about investing in self-discovery, strengthening teams, and building communities that thrive. In the spirit of this season, I’d like to explore how gratitude, giving, and growth unfold within ourselves, among our teams, and throughout our communities.
Self: The Foundation of Engagement
There’s no “I” in “team”, but engagement does start with you.
The new year provides a natural time to pause and acknowledge our personal journeys. Whether this year brought triumphs or challenges, each experience adds to our growth. Gratitude for these moments, even the hard ones, shape the path of resilience we need to move forward.
Consider the ways you’ve invested in your personal growth this year. Have you embraced new opportunities, sought out professional development, or simply given yourself grace during difficult times? Engagement with oneself starts with self-awareness. It’s recognizing where you are, where you want to go, and what it will take to get there.
In this season of giving, also consider the gift of time and care for yourself. Like many, I have not been very successful in this department but have been making deep strides (or sometimes baby steps) to improve in the last year. Investing in rest, reflection, and recharging isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. When we bring our best selves to our work, we create a foundation for greater impact.
Team: Strengthening Bonds for Collective Success
Our teams are the lifeblood of our professional ecosystems. As we reflect on this year, let’s celebrate the achievements of our teams—large or small. Perhaps your team landed a major project or maybe you overcame a challenge that tested your resilience. Every milestone achieved together contributes to a shared sense of purpose and progress.
Acknowledge the ways you have supported one another, adapted together, and grown stronger collectively. Gratitude within teams is about honoring the unique strengths each individual contributes and recognizing how these efforts collectively drive success. It’s an acknowledgment that says, “You are an integral part of our success.”
In this season of giving, it’s about more than offering tokens of appreciation—it’s about bestowing the enduring gifts of trust, mentorship, and collaboration.
Community: Building Ecosystems of Change
At the heart of everything we do is our community—the vibrant network of professionals who, together, are shaping the future of our industry. The ecosystem we create is far greater than the sum of its parts, fueled by the shared contributions of donors, volunteers, and advocates. By coming together, we are building a legacy of collective impact for our profession. This vision takes shape uniquely across various communities; for the SMPS Foundation, it’s exemplified through these powerful examples of promoting community-driven change:
Supporting Future Leaders Through Scholarships: Since its inaugural year in 2021, the SMPS Foundation Zinsmeyer Scholarship has assisted 47 deserving individuals, providing financial support and access to opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach. These scholarships do more than support education. They affirm the community’s belief in nurturing the next generation. Each recipient represents a future leader, and their success is a direct result of the generosity of donors and the Foundation’s commitment to fostering talent. They carry forward the collaborative values of SMPS, enriching the professional ecosystem for years to come.
Providing Resources To Drive Industry Excellence: Just this year the SMPS Foundation produced a critical report on business development in our industry (AEC.BD) as well as an inaugural trends report (Building Resilience: A/E/C’s Path Beyond 2025). Also this year, over 4,000 professionals have accessed our research and insights to assist in developing their BD strategy, strategic planning, capture planning, corporate retreats, departmental structure and role development. These tools—whether focused on business development research, industry trends, or team-building blueprints—equip firms with actionable insights to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Acknowledging this impact is a reminder of the tangible outcomes of our collective efforts. Sharing knowledge strengthens the industry as a whole, creating an environment where growth and innovation flourish.
Fostering Generosity Across the Network: Contributions from individual donors, corporate partners, chapter donors, and regional supporters are the lifeblood of the Foundation’s work. These investments in scholarships, research, and professional development create a ripple effect—benefiting not just recipients but the broader community. Every dollar given and every hour volunteered strengthens the profession’s foundation, enabling a cycle of giving that empowers future generations.
As we move into this season of gratitude and giving, let’s not forget the season of growth. Growth requires intention—it asks us to step outside of our comfort zones, to embrace learning, and to invest in initiatives that may take time to bear fruit. Yet, the rewards are undeniable: a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community.
Looking Ahead: Engaging To build a Legacy of Collective Impact
As we close the chapter on this year and look ahead to the next, I encourage you to think about the ways you can engage at each level. How will you continue to grow personally? How can you contribute to the strength of your team? And how will you leave a lasting mark on your community?
Each act of engagement, no matter how small, contributes to an ecosystem of change. It starts with gratitude—recognizing the good that has been done. It thrives through giving—sharing our time, talents, and resources. And it flourishes through growth—committing to learning, adapting, and advancing.
As we reflect on this season, let us celebrate SMPS and the SMPS Foundation’s roles in shaping a profession that is collaborative and resilient. By continuing to support and engage with this vital work, we each play a part in building a legacy of impact that will endure for years to come. Together, we are creating an ecosystem where everyone—self, team, and community—can thrive.
If you’re able and can support the Foundation, we greatly appreciate it. Your donation, no matter the size, can help us create a lasting impact. Visit the SMPS website to see various ways you can partner with and support the Foundation. And if you’d like to volunteer your time to critical opportunities of service at the Foundation, send us a note regarding your interest.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to a season filled with gratitude, giving, and growth.
With warmth and appreciation,
Michele Raftery, FSMPS, CPSM, WELL AP
Article written by SMPS Foundation President Michele Raftery, FSMPS, CPSM, WELL AP. Michele is a principal at 4240 Architecture and can be reached at mraftery@4240arch.com.
