March 2016 New Member Lunch Spolight

Welcome to our New Member Lunch spotlight! Each month, a guest from the Board of Directors will be joining us at the new member lunch (NML) to introduce themselves and tell us a little bit about their role and background. This month, we’re joined by Jessica Hemauer, Special Events Co-Director of SMPS Chicago!

In advance of this month’s NML, here’s a little bit about Jessica:

Where do you work and what’s your role?

Rider Levett Bucknall, we are a cost consultancy, project management, and advisory service firm. My role is Business Development & Marketing. 

Why did you join SMPS Chicago?

I joined SMPS to make connections with others in the A/E/C industry and learn more about my field. 

How has SMPS been beneficial to you, your firm, and/or your career?

I have gained so many contacts (and friends) from being part of SMPS. It has been the most beneficial organization I have joined. 

How can a new member of SMPS get the most out of their membership?

I feel I was able to get so much from my membership because I became involved in a committee. I have been able to step up as Director of Special Events. This has gotten me over the fear of public speaking and this role has helped me learn a lot as well.

What was the most fun event you attended for SMPS?

The most fun event I attended was the Holiday event in 2014. We partnered with AIA Chicago.

What do you do to kick back and relax?

I enjoy relaxing to A&E. I love their true crime series.

What is your favorite musical group/performer?

My favorite performer would be Stevie Nicks. I also love techno music.

What is the most interesting place you’ve visited?

The most interesting place I have visited I think would be the underground caves in Mexico as well as Jacob’s Well in Austin, Texas. 

Name the most famous person you've had a face to face encounter with ("brush with greatness")? 

I was a server at a restaurant where Adrian Young, the drummer of No Doubt was a customer… I also lived with the family of Dan Andriano, a member of Alkaline Trio. I’ve met various Dj’s including Richie Hawtin & Adam Beyer. I’m sure I’ve had more brushes with greatness but I won’t list them all.

If you could spend 15 minutes with any living person, who would it be and why?

 If I could spend time with any living person it would have to be a member of NASA so I can learn more about extraterrestrial life and the truth behind area 57. 

About the program: Exclusive to our new members, we have a monthly lunch program for the entir  first year of membership!  These lunches are designed to familiarize new members with the chapter, expand their networks, and demonstrate the various ways to become involved.