DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Philosophy & Policy

Crucial DEI Conversation Starters

Inclusive language Glossary

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.

To start the DEI conversation within your organization, utilize our 2023 Diversity Calendar and download our Crucial DEI Conversation Starter Manual today.

Upcoming DEI + AEC Townhall

March 27, 2023 | DEI+ A/E/C: Mental Health in the Workplace – Part II

Due to an overwhelming response to the SMPS DEI + A/E/C Townhall on January 30, join us as we continue the conversation around Mental Health in the Workplace and Stopping the Stigma. This program will be moderated by SMPE DEI Committee Chair, Jennifer Nix McGerald, CPSM (she/her).

THOUGHT LEADERS

She is Sr. Director of Health Equity and Access and Sr. Director of the Socioeconomic Status (SES) portfolio of the American Psychological Association. She is responsible for directing, overseeing, facilitating and promoting psychology’s contribution to 1) advancing health equity and access; and 2) the understanding of SES and the lives and well-being of low-income and economically disadvantaged populations. As such, Ms. King-Tsikata works to develop and facilitate relationships and activities to advance psychology as a major force in research, education, policy and advocacy related to Health Equity and SES. She received her B.S. in Health Science from the University of Florida and her MPH from University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health.

Widely recognized as being on the forefront of Visionary Leadership® and a trusted advisor to more than 100 association CEOs and world-class leaders like the president of the World Bank, director of the Peace Corps, and senior managers at Royal Dutch Shell, Seth Kahan is a sought-after business strategy specialist, respected thought leader, and convener on Grand Challenges. Today he leads the Grand Challenge to eliminate stigma around mental health and substance use disorders, supported by the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and spanning partners that include the Ad Council, Carter Center, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, Jed Foundation, Shatterproof, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Human Rights Campaign, SHRM Foundation, NAMI, and many others.

Previous DEI + AEC Townhalls

January 30, 2023 | DEI+ A/E/C: Mental Health in the Workplace

Please join us at our next DEI + AEC complimentary townhall on January 30, 2023, at 3pm for DEI+ A/E/C: Mental Health in the Workplace. Over the past couple of years, one thing has become increasingly clear. The importance of mental health awareness cannot be overstated. As we enter a new year, please join SMPS for our next DEI Townhall. We will learn about workplace trends, make the business case for supporting mental and physical health of employees, and reduce the stigma around mental health.

2022 DEI + AEC Townhalls

March Townhall | How diversity and inclusion are vital to the future of A/E/C, Moderator: DEI Committee Chair, Asheya, Warren, CPSM

May Townhall | Inclusive Leadership, Panelists: Toni Howard Lowe, SHRM-CP, PHR, Paula Stamp, Halima K. McWilliams, MS, SHRM-CP, PHR, CDP, Michael Geary, CAE. Moderator: DEI Committee Chair, Asheya, Warren, CPSM

June Townhall | Pride Talk with SMPS, Presenter: Russell Pollard (he/him), MBA

August Townhall | Equity in the Built Environment, Panelists: Antoine Bryant, AIA , NOMA, Colette Holt, J.D., Henry Nutt III, and Dr. Destiny Thomas. Moderator: DEI Committee Chair, Asheya, Warren, CPSM

September Townhall | Amplifying Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Thought Leader: Mel Gravely. Moderator: Jennifer Nix-McGerald, CPSM.

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 for the 2021-22 academic year 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.

DEI Resources

Below are a few SMPS and industry partner resources around DEI. If you’re an SMPS member, join the discussions on MySMPS and to get additional member and chapter resources.

SMPS Resources

2023 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
SMPS Member Voices
Board Diversity Matrix

Industry Partner Resources

Kanarys’ Resources Center
AAPI Heritage Month | Keeping Commitments: Going Beyond APAHM and Mental Health Awareness Months in the Workplace – Recorded Webinar
– Blog
The National Organization of Minority Architects
American Institute of Architects
Perkins&Will and AIA Best Practices
Associated General Contractors of America

Chapter Resources and Events

Are you interested in finding out what local chapters are doing around DEI? Navigate to your chapter’s website to find out more.

About the DEI Committee

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 working to promote a culture of inclusion, amplify the voices of the underrepresented, and support the business case for diversity.

In February 2020, the SMPS board approved the creation of a DEI Task Force. Its purpose is to suggest 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.

As our goal, 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 task force, SMPS is leading the way forward.

Task force members are passionate about finding and illuminating the Society’s voice and strategies through the lens of DEI. Their work will help our members and chapter leaders advance our profession, industries, and SMPS to achieve our vision for a more just society.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION