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 Mary Jacobs, CDFA, who shares her SDA journey and what keeps her engaged in our community.

What initially motivated you to join SDA?

When I was fresh out of college, I did not know anyone in the AEC industry, much less the administrative side of it. I felt that the best way to grow professionally was by learning from the administrative leaders at other firms—observing how they conducted themselves in meetings, spoke, asked insightful questions, and took the initiative.

How has your experience with SDA changed over time?

The longer I stay, the deeper my roots grow within SDA. Looking back, 10 years have flown by, but I can clearly recall each year taking a new step in doing something different within the organization. What began with me simply sitting and listening at local board meetings has evolved into me running those meetings and having others value my thoughts and ideas.

What aspects of SDA have you enjoyed the most?

I rarely travel, so I particularly enjoy attending the annual EDSymposium. It has given me the opportunity to visit places I would not have thought to go on my own.   

What motivates you to stay engaged or involved with SDA?

A mix of FOMO (fear of missing out) and the fear that it might crumble without my involvement. I am driven by seeing people smile and appreciate my contributions and hard work within SDA. That is what keeps me motivated.

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

Attending my first EDSymposium in Golden, Colorado, and meeting the San Antonio Chapter was a standout moment. It felt like starting at a new school where I did not know anyone—I was super scared and nervous. But when the San Antonio members found out I was also from Texas, they invited me to dinner. We chatted, and I quickly became friends with all of them. That experience was the beginning of me taking small steps to meet more chapter members, realizing that I had so many smart, amazing people within reach to support me whenever I needed help or had questions about my job.

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!

April is Administrative Professionals Month, and at SDA, we’re taking time to recognize the dedicated professionals who keep A/E/C firms running smoothly. Many of our members may not always be in the spotlight—but day in and day out, they bring knowledge, leadership, and consistency to their teams. This month, we're celebrating their contributions by sharing insights, experiences, and stories that highlight the value they bring to our industry and to one another. This week we hear from Nikki Pierce, CDFA, LEED AP.  Nikki is a member of our National Membership Committee and a Member-at-Large located in Charlotte, NC.

In the A/E/C industry, knowledge is the foundation of a successful firm. When employees have access to the right information—clear expectations, policies, and best practices—everyone benefits. A culture of knowledge sharing improves efficiency, fosters innovation, and strengthens your firm’s ability to grow and adapt.

Getting Started: Key Questions to Ask

Before diving into improvements, take a moment to assess your firm's current knowledge-sharing practices. Ask yourself:

• Is critical knowledge clearly documented and easy to find?
• Are policies and standards up to date and well-labeled?
• Can employees quickly connect with subject matter experts?

If the answers aren’t clear, it may be time to advocate for a stronger, more structured approach to knowledge sharing.

Organizing and Labeling Information for Better Access

Once you've identified areas for improvement, focus on making information organized, accessible, and reliable. Consider these best practices:

• Group similar content together – Store all accounting policies in one location, HR guidelines in another, etc.
• Use clear labeling and alphabetical order – This makes it easier to navigate without needing a hierarchy.
• Date all content – Keeping timestamps visible ensures accuracy and prevents outdated information from circulating.
• Control editing rights – Limit access to a small team to maintain information integrity.
• Maintain an archive – A historical record allows teams to reference older policies when needed.

Taking Action: Where to Start

A small, intentional step can create a big impact. Start with a clear goal, like:
"By the end of the quarter, all Project Management documents will be updated, dated, and stored in a central location."

From there, follow these steps:

1. Gather all existing documentation.
2. Update the content and include the latest dates.
3. Develop a plan for implementation.
4. Seek feedback and support from key stakeholders.
5. Publish the content in an accessible location.
6. Communicate where to find the information and how to use it.

By championing knowledge sharing within your firm, you help create an environment where collaboration thrives, efficiency improves, and teams are empowered with the right information.

Thanks Nikki. Creating a culture of knowledge sharing doesn’t happen overnight—but every small step makes a difference. Whether you're organizing documentation, encouraging collaboration, or simply starting the conversation within your firm, your advocacy can have a lasting impact. By making knowledge accessible and empowering others to contribute, you're not just improving operations—you’re strengthening your entire team.

We’d love to hear from you! What strategies have worked in your firm to promote knowledge sharing? Drop a comment below and join the conversation—let’s keep learning from one another.

The Past President's Council (PPC) consists of former SDA National presidents actively engaged in ongoing service to SDA. Our philanthropic endeavors primarily focus on providing educational opportunities to our members through speaker sponsorships, educational scholarships, and leadership training.

To support these valuable initiatives, the PPC created a charitable (501(c)(3) foundation, the SDAPPC Foundation, to provide a tax-deductible entity for individual’s contributions. SDAPPC organizes various fundraising activities to support the charity. One such activity is the annual raffle held at EDSymposium. Additionally, we have conducted an “Empower20 Giving Circle” and a "Giving Tuesday" event to solicit contributions from SDA members. Fundraising efforts like these are instrumental in generating funds that enable the council to offer grants to members across the United States and Canada.

The PPC’s fundraising initiatives transform the SDA community through strategic investments. By providing speaker sponsorships and educational scholarships, the PPC advances members' professional growth and enriches their learning experiences. Their support enhances our national meetings and cultivates future organizational leaders through dedicated coaching and mentoring programs.

Ways to Contribute to the PPC Foundation:  To ensure the continued success of these initiatives, the PPC would like to encourage our members to consider the following ways to contribute:

1. Monthly Contributions: Join the Empower20 campaign by setting up a monthly donation. Small, regular contributions can make a significant difference over time. Just $20 per month raises you to the level of our Empower20 circle.
2. Renewal Contribution: Add a contribution when you renew annually.
3. Company Match: Check if your employer offers a matching gift program. This can double the impact of your donation and support the council's efforts even further.
4. Chapter Annual Contributions: Chapters can consider making an annual contribution to the Past President's Council when budgeting. This collective effort can significantly boost the funds available for educational opportunities.

Supporting the PPC Foundation helps to ensure that SDA continues to thrive and support its members. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the IRS law. Click here to make a donation.

Anne McNeely, CDFA, serves as the current Chair of the Past Presidents Council. She is a member of the SDA Denver Chapter.