Janki DePalma elevated SMPS Austin by igniting a sense of belonging for anyone who interacted with the chapter. Under her leadership, SMPS Austin became a “must attend” organization and a space that exemplified the vision of the Society. 

On the heels of the pandemic, SMPS Austin faced low member retention, dwindling sponsorships, leadership burnout and competition from sister networking organizations. Inspired by Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead, Janki challenged the 2021-2022 SMPS Austin Board to identify a shared core value. The result? Belonging. Leading by example, she reinstated the monthly newsletter and wrote a monthly message to members. In addition, she launched a social media campaign titled simply, “I Belong,” and welcomed new members with a personalized email.

Janki pushed the boundaries of belonging beyond Austin. Through her initiatives, the chapter was able to open its doors to every SMPS member with a new reciprocal pricing program. This program allowed the chapter to offer low-cost, domain-specific educational programming – reaching members from 24 SMPS chapters. During pandemic restrictions, Janki’s Board organized seven low-cost or free networking events which allowed members to engage at their comfort level, including both indoor, outdoor and open-air events. In addition, signature events, such as the annual Black + White Bash Gala and Axe Throwing Tournament, still brought a total of314 attendees, mirroring pre-pandemic numbers and profitability.

While meeting in-person was difficult, Janki pushed to create social connection and increased engagement industry-wide in Austin. Through cross-pollination representation of SMPS, Janki’s “Belonging” mantra included widening the reach of SMPS. By connecting with Society leaders and connecting sister-networking organizations, Janki was able to successfully present at ILinCP, curate curriculum for ACE Mentors of Austin, and be on a panel at the AIA Design Excellence. She spearheaded the monthly meeting of the 7 Presidents of the Southern Region – aka the “Seven Families” and volunteered to help other chapter presidents with speaking opportunities, teaching CPSM sessions, and judging MCA awards.

Beyond increasing engagement, Janki sought to enhance the format of chapter programs by providing attendees opportunities to make meaningful connections and bring value to their firms. Creating an engaging space for everyone from the private to the public sector, SMPS Austin sold out five events, earning a record $41,000 in event sponsorships and increased participation of executive leaders.

To Janki, belonging needed to connect members to representation. 75% of all programs and 100% of all panelists included women and BIPOC members. At the conclusion of Janki’s presidency, SMPS Austin had expanded its reach dramatically, including non-members who outpaced members 2:1 at all luncheon programs.

Janki’s passion for belonging has resulted in a stable future for SMPS Austin, an effort worthy of recognition. She has changed the DNA of our chapter and as such, the SMPS Austin chapter asks that you recognize her value, as we do, and award her Chapter President of the Year.

Here's what SMPS HQ has to say!

Janki's Year as President: