DEI A/E/C
Prosperity comes from diversity.
Research shows that firms with diverse experiences and perspectives seated around the table are more profitable. That’s why SMPS is continuously working to cultivate professionals with diverse expertise that are critical to sustaining a thriving industry.
The SMPS DEI Committee suggests initiatives and strategic objectives to the board of directors and staff to increase awareness of and support DEI for our membership, the marketing profession, and our members’ firms.
SMPS aspires to be a leader for our members, among our peer groups, and in our professional community. We will have diverse leadership structure, staff, and membership; we will create a supportive environment for people of color; we will offer tools to make change in our organization, profession, and industries.
Through our DEI initiatives SMPS is leading the way forward.
Women + A/E/C Virtual Symposium
Women +A/E/C provides a space and a vehicle for women to amplify their voice and be champions of what’s next in the A/E/C industries and beyond. Making up more than 50% of the population in the United States, women are a viable source for workforce growth. We need their future participation to ensure our industries attract the best and most qualified talent possible. Gender diversity makes a difference in performance and profitability, and Women + A/E/C will be a catalyst for progress in the A/E/C industries.
During this virtual experience attendees will hear from women thought leaders discuss bold leadership, peer networking, employee resource groups, and applicable steps to an inclusive workplace.
Diversity Education Units
A Diversity Education Unit (DEU) is a vital measure of ongoing diversity education programs, aiding A/E/C professionals in skill building and fostering diversity and inclusion in their firms. The A/E/C industries are responsible for designing and building the world’s infrastructure. With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) integrated strategically, A/E/C firms gain a competitive advantage in attracting talent, encouraging innovation, and growing their bottom line. A critical component of success when it comes to diversity and inclusion is continued learning.
- Diverse perspectives foster the ability to meet the changing needs of the industry
- Diversity allows us to think through challenges differently
- Diversity is not just desirable; it is imperative to business
DEUs are awarded to those who complete training and education in DEI through the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) or their approved providers.
DEUs are essential to helping professionals stay current in DEI practices, and provide a standardized measurement of a professional’s engagement with an ongoing education program. Professionals that participate in these ongoing diversity education programs can expect to:
- Improve problem-solving capabilities
- Develop essential professional skills
- Gain a competitive advantage for career advancement
- Stay current on changing policies and laws
- Embody the skills to improve team dynamics
- Contribute to organizational success
*Diversity education units (DEUs) can be combined with continuing education units (CEUs) for professionals pursuing or maintaining their CPSM certification.
2024 Approved Providers
Interested in offering CEUs and DEUs that support the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) program? Visit the SMPS Approved Provider Program webpage to apply today.
Our Action Plan
SMPS is dedicated to strengthening equitable and inclusive practices, and through the DEI Task Force and Society leadership, we will:
- Develop and provide proper training materials, toolkits, and guides to encourage DEI, allyship, and relevant conversations for our chapters and members.
- Provide resources and references from diverse individuals who can provide a different and profound perspective, especially in panels or speaking events, allowing others the chance to speak and engage audiences of their peers.
- Cultivate exposure opportunities to enhance awareness of professional services marketing career paths for K-12, community colleges, and higher education institutions, targeting underrepresented groups.
- Broaden recruitment, participation, retention, and involvement efforts to build a more engaged and inclusive network.
- Identify research opportunities for the SMPS Foundation that support DEI competencies among professionals and firms.
- Through the SMPS Foundation, provide $25,000 in scholarships to students from across the country attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to provide awareness and accessibility to the A/E/C industries. Scholarship recipients will receive mentorship, support, and access to SMPS programming through a student membership included as part of the scholarship award package.
- Expand strategic partnerships with other A/E/C organizations and DEI entities that support this mission allowing us to fight in strength and numbers.
We recognize this effort is ongoing and that we are just beginning our journey to transformational change.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Philosophy & Policy
SMPS recognizes, respects, and values the dignity of all people. We are united in our stance against all forms of injustice and inequity. SMPS commits to actively champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our organization, the firms we represent, the communities we serve, and the architecture/engineering/construction (A/E/C) industries. We are intentionally working to increase participation in our organization and the A/E/C industries by underrepresented groups; advocate for recruitment and retention of professionals of all backgrounds by creating inclusive and welcoming environments; and promote equality and opportunities for advancement in the Society and industry overall. Together, we can transform our businesses, enhance membership experiences, and influence change in our communities.
We recognize that our diversity is reflected by our different people and firms. We believe our varying ethnicities, cultures, religious beliefs, genders, sexual orientations, ages, levels of experiences, physical abilities, and other differences benefit us as individuals and as an organization. In SMPS, we will organize and promote programs and activities that espouse our beliefs and increase awareness, understanding, recruitment, and participation of diverse persons and firms.
DEI Resource Library
- The Human Experience in Business Marketer Article
- 2024 Diversity Calendar
- Crucial DEI Conversation Starters
- Inclusive Language Glossary
- Three Major Steps Toward Inclusion and Racial Equality in A/E/C, by Asheya L. Warren, CPSM (published in the August 2021 Marketer)
- SMPS Foundation Zinsmeyer Scholarship
- February 2021 Marketer: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
- February 2021 Marketer: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
- SMPS Member Voices
- Board Diversity Matrix
If you’re an SMPS member, join the discussions on MySMPS and to get additional member and chapter resources.
- Kanarys’ Resources Center
- AAPI Heritage Month | Keeping Commitments: Going Beyond APAHM and Mental Health Awareness Months in the Workplace
- The National Organization of Minority Architects
- American Institute of Architects
- Perkins&Will and AIA Best Practices
- Associated General Contractors of America
