Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
SMPS Philadelphia’s Chapter Relations Committee strives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the Chapter’s operations, including event planning, community outreach, communications, and organizational practices. We support the national SMPS statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
SMPS recognizes, respects, and values the dignity of all people. We are united in our stance against all forms of injustice and inequity. SMPS commits to actively champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our organization, the firms we represent, the communities we serve, and the architecture/engineering/construction (A/E/C) industries. We are intentionally working to increase participation in our organization and the A/E/C industries by underrepresented groups; advocate for recruitment and retention of professionals of all backgrounds by creating inclusive and welcoming environments; and promote equality and opportunities for advancement in the Society and industry overall. Together, we can transform our businesses, enhance membership experiences, and influence change in our communities.
We recognize that our diversity is reflected by our different people and firms. We believe our varying ethnicities, cultures, religious beliefs, genders, sexual orientations, ages, levels of experience, physical abilities, and other differences benefit us as individuals and as an organization. In SMPS, we will organize and promote programs and activities that espouse our beliefs and increase awareness, understanding, recruitment, and participation of diverse persons and firms.
DEI Membership grant
The purpose of our DEI Membership Grant is to provide outstanding individuals the opportunity to engage deeply with our chapter as a member at no cost, participate in discussions related to operations as a committee member, and, through one year of committee service, obtain eligibility to serve on the Chapter’s board of directors.
This Grant Provides
- One year of membership to SMPS Philadelphia (valued at $449)
- Immediate placement on an SMPS Philadelphia committee of their choice
Submission Due Date
Submissions are closed for the 2026 program year.
Evaluation Criteria
The selection of the grant recipients will be based on the content and quality of the application as determined by the DEI Membership Grant Committee, with special consideration to those from historically disadvantaged groups (women, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, service-disabled veterans, etc.). Small business and M/W/V/DBE firm owners are encouraged to apply. Applicants can choose to share information regarding their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or any disabilities with us; however, this information is not required to apply. Past grant recipients are ineligible to receive the grant. Grant recipients will be announced in June with immediate placement into the committee of your choosing. Following the award, grant recipients will present a brief statement at Decemberfest highlighting their involvement since receiving the membership grant.
Privacy Statement
SMPS Philadelphia is committed to safeguarding the privacy and well-being of our applicants. We understand that we’re asking you to share personal information with the evaluation team for the purpose of this membership grant. Information shared through the application process will remain confidential to the reviewing party members.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact Steven Alvarez, APPE, Director of Chapter Relations: Email
Required Narrative Responses
- Please summarize your SMPS Philadelphia Chapter involvement (if any).
- What do you hope to gain from an SMPS membership?
- How have you benefited from SMPS and the Philadelphia Chapter to date?
- How do you plan to give back to SMPS and the Philadelphia Chapter after becoming a member?
- How has your diversity (race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, family, work, school experiences, etc.) contributed to who you are today and your career in the A/E/C industry?
- What challenge(s) do you face as a professional in the A/E/C industry, and what is your approach to managing or overcoming them?
Required Attachments
- Current resume
- Statement of commitment to participating in SMPS Philadelphia committee activities for the complete program year
- Statement of support for involvement in SMPS from your employer (Note: With this letter, your employer firm is stating they support and endorse your participation with SMPS Philadelphia including your attendance at events and programs (both virtual and in-person, during and after work hours), and to be an active member of the committee of your choosing for one program year.)
- Letter of recommendation from your supervisor, current SMPS member, or industry professional
Contact
Steven Alverez, APPE
Director of Chapter Relations
Email
