Every SDA member has a unique story - one that reflects their journey, growth, and connection to our vibrant community. In our new blog series, SDA & Me, we’re highlighting the voices of our members as they share what brought them to SDA, how their experience has evolved, and the moments that have made the biggest impact. Whether it’s professional development, lasting friendships, or unforgettable experiences, these testimonials showcase the value of being part of SDA. Today, we feature Lisa Syfrett, CDFA, who shares her SDA journey and what keeps her engaged in our community.

When did you join SDA and what initially motivated you to join?

I joined SDA in January 2002 when my boss recommended that I join an association. I did not know what that meant but he knew of SDA and specifically recommended I join.

How has your experience with SDA changed over time?

I have watched so many incredible people really shine and climb the ladder within their firms and the industry giving me more confidence and encouragement to pave my own path within my firm and my career.

What aspects of SDA have you enjoyed the most?

I have enjoyed the friendships that I have made and what I would call my “tribe” who supports me with every new step in my job. I never feel like I am alone without a support system who is ready to help me figure things out.

What motivates you to stay engaged or involved with SDA?

I want other young people coming into the industry to know there is an organization of incredibly smart individuals that will help them. SDA has always been a place of zero judgement which helps when you are green and have no idea what you are doing.

Can you describe a memorable experience you’ve had as an SDA member?

I have a million memories of SDA, but my #1 experience is attending my first SDA Conference in Charlotte, NC. I had two young sons at home, and it was the first time I had ever left them or gone on any kind of work trip. I only knew people from my Chapter and was homesick, worried about my children, but so many people surrounded me to make sure I was okay and to immerse me into the experience. These people are lifelong friends who continue to support me and help me learn as I grow.

Want to share your SDA story? Each member’s journey is unique, and we’d love to hear yours! If SDA has made an impact on your career and connections, reach out to us (admin@sdanational.org) to be featured in a future SDA & Me spotlight. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our amazing members!

Every SDA member has a unique story - one that reflects their journey, growth, and connection to our vibrant community. In our new blog series, SDA & Me, we’re highlighting the voices of our members as they share what brought them to SDA, how their experience has evolved, and the moments that have made the biggest impact. Whether it’s professional development, lasting friendships, or unforgettable experiences, these testimonials showcase the value of being part of SDA. Today, we feature Vincent Lafitte, CDFA, who shares his SDA journey and what keeps him engaged in our community.

When did you join SDA and what initially motivated you to join?

I joined SDA in 2014, February if I recall, and signed up to take the CDFA at the same time. We had acquired the firm Sarah Wallace was working for at the time, and I still remember the day she walked to my office to talk about SDA with me. She was the current National President at the time, and I could feel the passion and energy that she had for the organization.

How has your experience with SDA changed over time?

It started as a way for me to learn more about the parts of the industry I was not familiar with. I knew the HR portion of the job; that’s really transferrable across industries. I did not know much about any of the rest of it.

This moved to a larger understanding of the industry, and a network of friends all over the nation willing to stop at the drop of a hat to help me with any question I needed.

What aspects of SDA have you enjoyed the most?

The school I attended for 1^st -12^th Grade focused on fostering a lifelong love of learning. SDA encourages every member to learn as much as they possibly can. Knowledge is power. I also like talking to and meeting new people. SDA provides many opportunities to do that.

What motivates you to stay engaged or involved with SDA?

What motivates me to stay engaged and involved with SDA even as my role has shifted and changed is the people. The people are excited every time I am there, excited to ask questions, excited to learn.

I also like the way that SDA helps me feel empowered to make a difference in both my career and job, and the organization as a whole.

Can you describe a memorable experience you have had as an SDA member?

The challenge is picking just one (or two) experiences out of almost a decade of memorable experiences.

I think things that I will remember for years to come are various moments from EdSymposiums, but I will recount one non-EDS memory. I was Atlanta Chapter President at the time, it was bosses’ day, in October. We were at Maggiano’s, and I had brought Brad Adler, a labor attorney based in Atlanta. During my preamble, I gave a speech about perspective. How at a stop light you have to consider if someone is having a bad day or has some reason for not going when the light is green. Brad got an interesting look as I worked through my speech. When it concluded and I finished introducing him he skipped forward several slides to talk about perspective as being a key element of his session. It was affirmation that maybe I really do know what I am doing . . . at least some of the time.

Want to share your SDA story? Each member’s journey is unique, and we’d love to hear yours! If SDA has made an impact on your career and connections, reach out to us (admin@sdanational.org) to be featured in a future SDA & Me spotlight. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our amazing members!

Every SDA member has a unique story—one that reflects their journey, growth, and connection to our vibrant community. In our new blog series, SDA & Me, we’re highlighting the voices of our members as they share what brought them to SDA, how their experience has evolved, and the moments that have made the biggest impact. Whether it’s professional development, lasting friendships, or unforgettable experiences, these testimonials showcase the value of being part of SDA. Today, we feature Jennifer HinkleyKarnisky, CDFA, who shares her SDA journey and what keeps her engaged in our community.

When did you join SDA and what initially motivated you to join?

I believe it was 2006 when I joined SDA. It has been a very long time. I was in the AEC industry for about 10 years at this point and had met a few people locally that encouraged me to join. The firm was very supportive and continues to be.

How has your experience with SDA changed over time?

I have become more and more involved as time passes. Each interaction with SDA members, my chapter, national, and at conferences only reminds me of the value it provides to my career.

What aspects of SDA have you enjoyed the most?

It is the people that make this organization the best. Having resources who are involved in this industry that I can rely on, ask questions, and support is what I enjoy most.

What motivates you to stay engaged or involved with SDA?

Again, it is the people. The organization has grown exponentially over the years through providing better resources, education, certification, but still, it is the people who really make my involvement and engagement worthwhile.

Can you describe a memorable experience you’ve had as an SDA member?

There are so many…I really enjoyed attending the AIA conferences when SDA was a part of them. It was an easy way to incorporate my everyday involvement with architects and SDA.

Want to share your SDA story? Each member’s journey is unique, and we’d love to hear yours! If SDA has made an impact on your career and connections, reach out to us (admin@sdanational.org) to be featured in a future SDA & Me spotlight. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our amazing members!