We're thrilled to announce the SDA Fellows Class of 2024, recognizing leaders who've significantly impacted SDA and the A/E/C industry. Congratulations to Gretchen Renz for joining this prestigious group. Jury comments included:

"Gretchen’s leadership and involvement in helping SDA become a more virtual organization, which allows so many of our members around the Country to see the value of SDA and become more involved has been an invaluable asset to the organization!   It is very evident that Gretchen has a passion of mentorship and teaching.  No matter what area in her life, professional, in SDA and in her personal life she makes it a mission to give back and teach others."

Gretchen will be inducted into the 2024 Class of Fellows at the EDSymposium24 Awards Banquet in Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 13, 2024. Her commitment to excellence sets a high standard for practice management in our industry.

The Fellows designation encourages continuous self-development and community contribution. Join us in celebrating Gretchen Renz, FSDA and the SDA Fellows Class of 2024 as we shape the future of A/E/C industry business operations.

We've been busy interviewing some of our members who have recently accomplished their CDFA designation by passing the Certified Design Firm Administrator exam. This week we'll hear from Chrisandrea Clark, CDFA, Human Resources Manager with dtj Design in Denver, CO.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

Being in the A/E industry for over 15 years, I desired a way to be able to show my expertise as a Designer Firm Administrator.

Did you have any concerns, or fears, about taking the exam?

I was pretty nervous about taking the exam since I hadn’t had to take an exam like this since college.

What study tools did you find most useful?

CDFA-yoU and self-studying proved very helpful in preparing for the exam!

Did you learn anything new, or surprising, while preparing for the exam?

There are quite a few things that I learned in the areas I don’t touch on as much on a daily basis.

Did you have a CDFA mentor help you with the material? If so, tell us about that experience.

No, I mostly self-studied. I had plenty of encouragement from my supervisor and others in my local SDA chapter.

What role, if any, has your CDFA played in advancing your professional or personal development, growth, network, or career?

With my CDFA I have been provided the opportunity to work in roles that touch in all the major areas that the exam covered, from Project and Administrative Management to HR leadership . I feel qualified and well-equipped to handle any role in the A/E industry as a Certified Design Firm Administrator.

What is your top tip to someone considering the pursuit of a CDFA designation?

Just do it! Don’t procrastinate and delay applying to sit for it once eligible. Set the date and begin studying as soon as possible!

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

Personally, it means a sense of accomplishment. I set out to show my advanced knowledge of being an administrator in our industry and it has been looked upon very highly amongst leadership firms I’ve worked with.

SDA Fellows: Empowering Members, Improving the Design Community 

SDA began the SDA Fellows initiative in 2018 to recognize the value of individual contributions to SDA, peer organizations, and the A/E/C community in the area of excellence in design firm management. The program also seeks to encourage individuals to further their studies, share their knowledge, and elevate practice management standards in the A/E/C industry overall.  

Becoming an SDA Fellow is a rigorous process, involving comprehensive essays and securing three recommendation letters highlighting the applicant’s leadership, mentorship, and impact on the A/E/C industry. Once selected, an SDA Fellow, denoted as FSDA, commits to inspiring the next generation through tailored opportunities, promoting SDA's mission, advancing practice management, and mentoring young members.

Door to Fellows is Open All October Long

The application window for candidates wanting to apply to be named a Fellow opened on October 1 and will remain open until October 31.  The application, guidelines, and additional information are available on the SDA website at https://www.sdanational.org/page/Fellows.

Today, there are nine SDA Fellows: Judy Beebe, Debra Ellis, Deborah Gill, Liz Harris, Sabrina Heard, Stephanie Kirschner, Betsy Nickless, Karen Roman, and Sarah Wallace. Though not an SDA committee, the Fellows elect a Chair each year and meet monthly to discuss how to focus their collective action for the betterment of the organization and its members. 

Path2Success: Your Personal Journey to Growth

In 2021, the Fellows unveiled a groundbreaking leadership initiative, “Path2Success.” This program, inspired by contemporary business literature, aims to nurture career growth, enhance personal development, and mold future SDA and business leaders. The Path2Success curriculum, rooted in the transformative insights of James Clear’s "Atomic Habits," combines self-study, progress check-ins, and holistic leadership development.

Stay tuned for more details about the Path2Success program—it’s not just a learning opportunity; it’s a chance to grow and evolve, personally and professionally.

Your Invitation to Shape Your Future

Whether you're considering the Fellowship application or exploring the Path2Success program, take this opportunity to delve into something truly transformative. Download the Fellows application to assess your progress and identify areas for growth. The effort you invest in fulfilling the Fellowship requirements not only elevates your career but also provides clear, tangible goals to strive for. Seize this chance to shape a future filled with excellence, both professionally and personally. Let's embark on this journey together!