Member Spotlight: Natalia Davila
Each month we try to feature a Chapter member, asking them about SMPS and more. Find out below how Natalia found her place in the A/E/C industry, what she enjoys most about proposal work, her creative hobbies, and more!
SMPS Committee/s or Role/s in SMPS (if any):
Emerging Marketers Committee. Natalia helps support awareness of the CPSM certification and the process behind it.
What led you to the A/E/C industry?
I found my way into the A/E/C industry through proposal work and quickly connected with the fast-paced, collaborative nature of the role. I enjoy helping teams tell a compelling story about their expertise and the value they bring to clients.
Why did you join SMPS and/or why do you continue to be a member?
I joined SMPS for the connections and the network. In this role, it is easy to stay focused internally, but SMPS opens the door to a broader community of marketers and proposal professionals who understand the work, share feedback, and support one another. It is a great resource for anyone who wants to grow in this industry.
Do you have a favorite job task?
My favorite parts of the job are the design side of proposals and the strategy conversations behind them. I enjoy shaping how a proposal looks and feels in InDesign, and I also like thinking through messaging, differentiators, and team composition so we can put forward the strongest pursuit possible.
Most challenging part of your role?
The most challenging part is working through evolving content and tight deadlines during active pursuits. Proposal work involves a lot of coordination across teams, which I really enjoy. When content needs to come together quickly or requires input from multiple people, it becomes a fast-moving effort that keeps the work dynamic and engaging.
Do you work from home, in the office, or a hybrid?
I am mostly in the office in San Ramon and work from home on Fridays, so my schedule is essentially hybrid with an in-office focus.
Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy drawing, listening to music, and reading about music history, especially how genres evolved over time. I am especially fascinated by rock music from the 1960s and how it shifted so dramatically throughout the decade.
Do you have a favorite TV show?
I do not have one specific favorite TV show, but one of my favorite movies is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I love the balance of humor and drama and how creatively it explores relationships and memory.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant?
Jack's in Pleasant Hill is a go-to spot for me and my family. It is a favorite for brunch or small celebrations, and I usually order the fish and chips.
Is there any vacation spot you recommend?
I would definitely recommend Hawaii. I visited Maui and Oahu last year for the first time, and both were beautiful in very different ways. Oahu had more of a city and nightlife feel, while Maui was more relaxed and restorative.
Do you have a secret skill?
I taught myself how to play guitar. I am not shredding solos, but I can play some chords and carry a campfire song, especially Beatles tunes, which are what inspired me to start learning in the first place.
What do you like to do most in your free time?
In my free time, I like spending time with family, watching shows and movies, drawing, listening to music, and getting outside for a hike when I can.
Final thoughts?
SMPS has been a great support system and learning community for me. Whether you are just getting started or you have been in the industry for years, there is always something to learn from other members, and that shared experience makes a big difference.
I joined SMPS because… it gave me a way to connect with people who truly understand the role and the pace of this industry.
The best part about being part of the SMPSBAC Community is… the sense of community. It is a support system where people share knowledge, encouragement, and real-world advice.
I got into the industry by/because... I found my place in proposal work and realized I loved the mix of strategy, storytelling, and collaboration.
The best advice or words of wisdom I’ve received is… do not just check the boxes. Bring value, think strategically, and look for ways to strengthen the pursuit.
Ask me About... proposal strategy, The Beatles, music history, or Hawaii travel recommendations.
