Three years ago, I swapped firms after 15 years at the same one joining a firm with 16 offices across the states and took on caregiving for my elderly mom. Chaos? Absolutely. While my personal and professional lives were doing somersaults, SDA was the steady force that helped me keep my footing—at least professionally. That stability inspired me to take a hard look at how I was spending my time. This year I am stepping away from a state nonprofit board after serving 5 years, while wrapping up my role as a city arts commissioner, and decided 2025 would be my year to refocus on growth (and maybe sleep).

Since joining SDA in 2017, I’ve soaked up seminars, national conventions, and committee work—even presented a few Quick in 30s.  SDA has been my go-to for industry insight, skill building, and connecting with the kind of people who actually get what we do. I needed a reboot.

The plan? Double down on my growth, finally pursue my CDFO (Certificate in Design Firm Operations), and get back to the community that helped shape my career. I’d been missing EDSymposiums—those energizing annual gatherings of like-minded doers and thinkers—and the absence was starting to feel like skipping the main course of a really great meal. The flavor just wasn’t the same.

Enter: the PPC Grant. Perfect timing, perfect purpose. It gave me the opportunity to return to EDSymposium, reconnect with longtime colleagues, and plug back into the conversations that matter. Yes, the sessions were incredible, but let’s be honest—the shared war stories and tips from fellow members were just as impactful

However, of all the insightful sessions, a few stood out as game changers for me. First up on day one Kristin Kautz’s R(AI)sing Your AI IQ half day workshop. It really framed AI not as a buzzword but as a systemic shift—one we simply cannot afford to ignore. There are tools already at our fingertips, and many of us (guilty!) are either underusing them or don’t even know they exist. She made the entire topic approachable, acknowledging the concerns while championing the potential. I’ve been working with AI tools in Canva for SDA for over a year, and even I walked away with a fresh perspective—and a longer to-do list. Her message was clear: this train has already left the station. It’s time to get on board or risk being left behind.

The next day, Diane Mika picked up the thread with Managing Evolving Risks of AI in Design and Construction. Her session emphasized the need for firms to start drafting real policies now—addressing concerns around data, ethical use, and content credibility. It served as the perfect complement to Kristin’s session: practical, informative, and a strong reminder that AI isn’t just about convenience—it’s about responsibility.

After not only these workshops but also chatting with fellow attendees—whether in side conversations, between sessions, or yes, at the bar—investing in AI as a tool in my bag felt like a no-brainer. I’ve dabbled before, but once I got home, I made it official and got my own personal paid AI assistant. Now “Zoey” is by my side, helping me stay efficient, streamline tasks, and free up brain space to focus on the actual work. (Fun fact: Zoey even lent a hand getting this blog post written. So, if you’re enjoying it, thank her too—we make a good team 😉)

Now, let’s talk about the session that might’ve hit the most personal nerve: Carla Howard’s keynote address Courageous Conversations which came perfectly a day after her workshop on Critical Thinking. This was an early morning and over breakfast, but it was the perfect wakeup call addressing those “ugh, do I really have to have this talk?” moments and turned them into something empowering. She didn’t just tell us why tough conversations matters she showed us how to have them. She broke down the process into digestible “elements,” and somehow turned a potentially uncomfortable topic into something empowering, even energizing.  Her six steps—Candidness, Choosing Your Mood, and Inviting Collaboration, among others—were more than just slides on a screen. They were frameworks I could immediately apply. It seems I might use some of these in those family holiday conversations that tend to walk the tightrope of disaster. Carla reminded us that difficult conversations don’t have to be disasters. With the right tools, they can be opportunities for growth, clarity, and (dare I say) actual connection. And if you’re like me her outlines and breakdowns in the materials provided are your new go-to reference sheets—already highlighted, and living permanently on your desktop.

Now I’m back in my little corner of the world—juggling CDFO coursework, learning the ropes as your new SDA National Vice President (still not sure who let that happen), and seeking ways to boost our SDA membership (if you haven’t heard we all are connecting on LinkedIn, so connect with me already!)

Most importantly, I’m channeling everything I absorbed at EDSymposium into my work at MIG and into conversations with my colleagues—encouraging them to explore their own professional paths. I believe deeply that operations professionals deserve spaces to grow, learn, and lead. SDA provides exactly that, and I’m honored to be part of its leadership at this exciting time.

To the PPC committee: thank you. This grant allowed me to reconnect, reenergize, and realign with my goals. It wasn’t just about attending a conference—it was about re-entering a space that fuels me professionally and personally.

To anyone wondering if attending EDSymposium is worth it: It is. The content is rich, the people are brilliant, and the impact lingers long after you leave the ballroom.

And to those who might be considering applying for the PPC Grant in the future: Do it. Don’t hesitate. Invest in yourself—you’re worth it, and so is this experience.

Because at the end of the day, whether you’re crunching numbers, managing people, or holding it all together with spreadsheets and snacks—this is a career of opportunity and growth.

We’d love to hear from you! What part of Fran's EDSymposium25 experience resonated most with you? Leave a comment below to let her know! And while you're at it—think back to your own EDSymposium experience. What session, speaker, or moment made a lasting impact? Or if you haven’t attended yet, what are you hoping to gain when you do? Let’s keep the inspiration (and conversation) going!