Each month we try to feature a Chapter member, asking them about SMPS and more. Find out below how Rebekah got into the A/E/C industry and her favorite movie, book, local spot, vacation, and much more!
What led you to the A/E/C industry?
I started out as a Pre-Press Technician at a newspaper, thinking I would become a journalist, but after working there I decided journalism was not for me. I was introduced to the Marketing Manager at Harris and Associates, and became the Marketing Assistant when a position opened up. I have been in the industry ever since.
Why did you join SMPS?
My Manager at Harris and Associates introduced me to SMPS. I started out doing all of the website changes, which was quite a task for one person, but I loved getting to know the people and building my skills and network. I have found SMPS to be a very helpful source of information and best practices, as well as a source of camaraderie and friendships.
What is your favorite memory of an SMPS event?
My favorite memory is probably the first National Conference I attended, which was in San Francisco. I did not expect it to be such a party, but everyone was so fun and was dancing, so it was a great time.
What is your favorite job task?
My favorite job task is strategizing and establishing messaging for proposals and interviews and making sure we consistently convey our message throughout.
What is your least favorite job task?
My least favorite task is entering information into Deltek.
Do you work from home, in the office, or a hybrid?
I work hybrid. I’m in the office two days a week most weeks, although it varies.
What’s something you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?
I wish I could tell myself not to be so hard on myself and that I’m doing a good job.
Do you have any hobbies?
My son plays travel baseball, so that is our hobby for now. He also enjoys watching baseball, so we are members of the 415 club for the San Francisco Giants, and we go to a fair number of games during the season.
Do you have a favorite TV Show?
My favorite TV show of all time is Mad Men. My favorite show that is on right now is probably Interview with a Vampire.
Do you have a favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Sideways. I still can’t get enough of that movie.
Do you have a favorite book?
My favorite book that I’ve read recently was Lessons in Chemistry.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant?
My favorite local restaurant is “Luna,” an Italian restaurant out here in Concord where I live. It is a cute little family-owned place with delicious food.
Do you have a favorite local spot?
My favorite local spot in Concord is Todos Santos Plaza. It is a beautiful little park square with restaurants and businesses surrounding it. They host music and Farmer’s Markets on Thursday nights and everyone is there.
Do you have a vacation spot you recommend?
Iceland was probably the most interesting vacation we have done. I highly recommend checking it out.
Do you have any upcoming vacation plans?
I plan our vacations really far in advance, so the next one we are planning is for Spring Break, when we’ll be going to a resort on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Do you have a secret skill?
Even though I’m an English Major, I took Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics and got decent grades in them. I don’t know if that it is still a skill though, as the last class I took was 10 years ago.
What do you like to do most in your free time?
Play with my dogs. I have a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and their favorite game in the world is fetch.
