Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The SMPS vision – Business transformed through marketing leadership – asserts that our profession can create powerful, positive, and long-lasting change. By harnessing the passion of our SMPS Seattle members, we aim to advance racial justice and equality in our organization and in the broader A/E/C industry.
In 2025, SMPS HQ, rebranded the program as The Human Experience in Business. For this effort, Seattle’s own Allina Hakim supported this initiative, serving as Co-Chair of the 2024 – 25 committee. You can learn more about the their efforts and the Human Experience in Business mission and vision here: https://www.smps.org/human-experience-business-committee/
Come As You Are
We are committed to highlighting the importance of DEI – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – into SMPS Seattle’s strategic plan and programs. We strive to stand together to help shape SMPS Seattle into a place where everyone can thrive. Come as you are.
We want members to feel welcomed and accepted for who they are and celebrated for their unique perspectives. Members who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQ+, individuals from a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds, neurodiverse individuals, and those of us living with differing abilities or mental health issues: We are here for you, and we are listening.
In 2021, we launched a new committee dedicated to DEI, charged with helping transform our idealism into action. All committee members are working toward goals set out for us by the SMPS Seattle Board of Directors, including through a DEI Certification program and liaisons to the chapter board, to best support our members.
What Is DEI?
Diversity
The presence of differences that may include race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective.
Equity
Promoting justice, impartiality and fairness within the procedures, and distribution of resources by institutions or systems.
Inclusion
An outcome that ensures diverse backgrounds and identities are welcomed. An outcome of inclusion is met when you, your institution, and your program are truly inviting to all. In an inclusive space, people of diverse backgrounds and identities feel empowered to contribute to decision-making processes and development opportunities.
Definitions informed by: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Extension
Resources
- Human Experience in Business
- Human Experience in Business Committee
- DEI Certificate Program
- SMPS HQ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Philosophy & Policy
- SMPS HQ Heritage Days Calendar
Learn More on the Blog
- Paddles Up: Embracing Culture, Community, and Connection on the Water, By Shirley Che (May 2025)
- How DEI is Changing Business Development for the Better, By Scott Johnston (January 2023)
- Marketing With Authenticity During Pride, By James Harmon, PhD, CPSM (June 2022)
- Honoring Seattle's History of LGBTQIA+ Pride, By Mia Alhambra (June 2022)
- Exploring Seattle’s Black History and Black Future with Africatown, By Mia Alhambra (February 2022)
- Honoring Histories: Native American Heritage Month By Kimberly Allen (November 2021)
- What's in a Pronoun? By Liz Wasson Coleman, CPSM (October 2021)
- Honoring Histories: Filipino American History Month By Estrella Sung, CPSM (October 2021)
- Honoring Histories: Latinx Heritage Month By Vannessa Fusi (October 2021)
How to Get Involved
DEI Committee Contact
Interested in volunteering? Please reach out to our Director at Large: DEI, Cindy Devine.
