As part of our Administrative Professionals Month celebration, SDA is highlighting the professionals who keep A/E/C firms running—those who bring clarity, connection, and consistency to their organizations every day.

This week, we’re sharing a perspective on how the skills you build through SDA extend beyond your role—shaping how you lead, support others, and make an impact in every area of your life by Jayne Niemann, CDFO, Business Manager with Acquilano, an Interior Architecture, women-owned firm in Denver, CO.

When I joined SDA, I expected to grow professionally. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would shape the way I lead in my personal life.

SDA has given me tools, confidence, and a community that helps me show up as a leader in all the spaces I care about. Through the leadership programs and CDFO certification, I’ve learned how to communicate clearly, organize effectively, and support others with empathy and purpose. These skills don’t stay in the office—they follow me everywhere.

As president of my roller derby league, I use what I’ve learned through SDA to build team culture, resolve conflicts, and keep our league running smoothly. While studying for the leadership portion of the certification exam, I read The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. This book not only helped me put words to what I was already learning through SDA, but it helped me identify my leadership style. One law that really stuck with me is the Law of the Inner Circle—that a leader’s potential and success are directly determined by the quality and composition of their inner circle of people.

I took this knowledge to the rest of the league’s board, and we compared notes on our leadership styles. This helped us identify gaps in styles and recruit additional help to our inner circle. Roller derby is fast-paced and full of strong personalities, and leading in that space requires clarity, compassion, and adaptability. Having an inner circle that supports me in adapting to changes and member concerns has been invaluable, and I wouldn’t have learned this without SDA.

In my circle of friends, I use the knowledge I’ve gained through SDA to help them in their professional lives. From honing resumes and cover letters to interview prep to helping with difficult work conversations, it’s not just about being organized—it’s about helping people feel confident and capable. SDA has taught me how to lead with encouragement and structure, especially when coaching someone through career changes or advancements.

Being part of SDA reminds me that leadership isn’t confined to a job title. It’s about how you show up for others, how you solve problems, and how you create opportunities for growth—whether that’s in a boardroom, on the track, or around a dinner table.

SDA helps me lead with intention, in every part of my life. And that’s the kind of leadership that lasts.

If Jayne’s story resonates with you, take a moment to reflect on where your own leadership shows up—both in your work and in the spaces that matter most to you.

• Leave a comment below and share one way you’ve grown as a leader—at work or beyond
• Explore upcoming SDA programs
• Connect with peers who understand your role through the SDA Discussion Hub
• Learn more about becoming an SDA member

Wherever you are in your career, SDA helps you go further—and that impact reaches farther than you might expect.

Explore, connect, and see how SDA can support your success.