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VOLUME 44 | ISSUE 1 | JAN/FEB 2025
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SMPS HQ

A Firm Commitment to the Human Experience in Business

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By Briana Carter, CPSM, Tamara Grimm, FSMPS, CPSM, LEED AP, and Allina Hakim
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Wow…where do we even start? If 2024 taught us anything, it was to fasten our seatbelts because DEI was, and is, in for a wild ride! No one could have predicted what would happen in the first few weeks of 2025. Changes in national political priorities always bring opportunities and challenges, and uncertainty creates angst for many people. Trust us, we hear you.
We are in a time of great change. As a society and as marketers, we will evolve our language to better align with the climate and the challenges we face. At the end of the day, DEI has always been about “human-ing,” and we maintain our commitment to “human-ing” better.
At SMPS, "diversity" means emphasizing and recognizing the importance of understanding and prioritizing human needs, values, and aspirations in driving success and creating meaningful connections in the business world. We encourage you to ask yourself:
Human Experience in Business Committee
How can I show up as my authentic self?
How can you help your colleagues and employees feel like they belong and are valued? You can start by treating everyone as human.
The Harvard Business Review posted an article in December about continuing this great work, no matter what you want to call it now. In a world where language, tone, and voice are everything, we understand sometimes we need to meet people where they are – especially when it comes down to something that impacts us all. We are focused on how our unique human experience affects and impacts our businesses – our employees, prospects, candidates, clients, vendors, and communities. This experience means so much more – it's how we go about our days, how we show up, and how we process the world around us. It’s providing closed captioning in meetings; having translators offered and available at events, flexible work arrangements, wellness programs and incentives, a more relaxed and inclusive dress code, prayer/meditation rooms, large print materials, parental leave, changing tables in men’s restrooms, various food options at catered events…. And the list goes on (see article sidebar).
Real transformation comes from meeting people where they are, making them feel valued, and inviting them into the conversation.
On the flip side, we understand that some backlash stems from those who have felt “othered.” Despite DEI being for all, some people have felt shut down or left out of the conversation. Truth be told, all voices can be represented, and it starts by showing up and participating.
Our committee, formerly known as the DEI Committee, has rebranded to the Human Experience in Business. We come together and hold conversations that many shy away from because we want to learn from one another, find commonalities, and celebrate differences that help us become more effective. The intent is true inclusion, where people can discuss their perspectives without blame, shame, or guilt. Regardless of what you may want to call it, the same purpose holds true – building a knowledge base and foundation for “human-ing” and long-term growth.

What can you expect from our committee in 2025?

  • New Literature! An SMPS White paper coming in the Spring – with the potential of a town hall or open forum to discuss the content this summer/fall
  • Chapter Tools: Further development of tools and resources for members
  • Continuous Chapter Engagement: Connecting with chapters who asked for support from HQ and our committee to support them in their DEI journey
  • Thought Leadership: Conference sessions
    • SERC Keynote Session - Building Inclusive Marketing Cultures: A Hands-On Workshop for A/E/C Firms
    • Amplify A/E/C Breakout Session - Collaboration + Connection: Encompassing Workplace Culture
  • Amplification: Continuation of our quarterly town halls – list the first one here

Call to action for our members:

  • Contribute to an open dialogue within your chapters and/or on mySMPS’s DEI page regarding what is causing angst.
  • Add to our word cloud who might be impacted. Share your thoughts: “What does the human experience encompass?”
Diversity is like a colorful tapestry woven from many unique layers that make each of us one-of-a-kind! Check out how these layers come together—maybe you'll spot something that resonates with you!
Credit: Adobe Firefly, designed by Allina Hakim.
Some of what DEI is:
  • Ramps and sidewalk curb cuts
  • Subtitles and captions (TV and phone)
  • Family restrooms
  • Changing tables in men’s restrooms
  • Breastfeeding/pumping stations and accommodations
  • Floating paid holidays
  • Pay equity and transparency
  • Parental leave (time and pay)
  • Coming back to a job after birthing a child
  • Not having to accept workplace harassment
  • Work accommodations for a variety of disabilities
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Size-inclusive chairs and beds in medical facilities
  • Various food options for vegetarian/vegan/kosher/ gluten-free, etc. at medical facilities
  • Non-smoking areas, end of smoking indoors
  • Being able to have medical professionals and your coworkers use your preferred name (not just queer people have those)
  • Wellness programs and incentives
  • More relaxed and inclusive dress code policies
  • Rooms to pray/meditate at work and other public places
  • Employee recognition programs
  • Employee/network resource groups
  • Large print materials
  • Materials in different languages
  • Multiple religious options at hospitals
  • Accessible bikes and public transportation accommodations
  • Businesses not becoming fully cashless
  • Company-covered mental/behavioral health resources
Briana Carter, CPSM, is a seasoned Marketing Strategist and Associate at Page. She has been in the industry since 2017 and has experience working in the “A,” the “E,” and the “C.” She found her niche as a visual storyteller who sells relationships, experience, and quality work. She has a deep interest in the built environment and loves its impact on the human experience. She is an advocate for women in construction and STEM, creating equal opportunities in the workforce and inclusive design practices. Briana has been heavily involved with the SMPS DEI Committee and assumed the role of chair in 2024. At Page, she continues this work as part of several of their PCGs (Page Community Groups), Think Tanks, and co-labs.
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Tamara Grimm, FSMPS, CPSM, has been a member of SMPS since 1998, served as President of the Kansas City Chapter in 2004-2005, and is a Class of 2024 Fellow. A recent transplant to Oregon, she joined the Oregon Chapter JEDI committee and presented at the 2024 Pacific Regional Conference. She is the National Pursuits Director for Terracon and serves as an adjunct professor at Prescott College in their Sustainable Leadership program. She splits her time between Kansas City and Portland.
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Allina Hakim, a proud Seattleite, has been an enthusiastic member of SMPS since 2017. Over the years, she’s worn many hats, including co-chair of the Eastside Roundtable, contributor to the MULTIPLY Mentorship Program, member of the Seattle DEI Committee, and recipient of the 2022 Amplify Conference Scholarship. Allina is a Proposal Manager at EnviroIssues, a public engagement and facilitation firm specializing in AEC-related projects.
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