SMPS Chicago New Member Lunch - November
11/20 at Vinyl from 5:30-6:30
As this month's official guest, Nikki Dvorak, Treasurer of SMPS Chicago, answered a few questions on how SMPS has helped her career and professional growth. Join her at the lunch next week to learn more!
For questions regarding the lunch, contact: Lauren Mead, RTKL Associates, Inc., [email protected]
Q & A WITH SMPS CHICAGO TREASURER NIKKI DVORAK
Where do you work and what’s your role? I work for Primera Engineers, Ltd. In Business Development. My role is to develop all proposal submissions and project interview materials, manage industry outreach initiatives, maintain and update a comprehensive CRM database, as well as maintain our existing clients.
Why did you join SMPS Chicago?
I was exposed to SMPS a few years back helping my old boss out, loved what I was learning and wanted to know more.
How has SMPS been beneficial to you, your firm, and/or your career?
SMPS is a great network in general. I’ve gotten project leads out of it, friendships, industry awareness, and had a ton of fun getting involved. The reason I’m working at Primera right now is because of a connection I made within SMPS and the great reference someone gave me.
How can a new member of SMPS get the most out of their membership?
Get involved. Get involved. Get involved. Whether it’s a committee or helping out with a special event, you get the most out of something when you dive in. We all have different expertise and could help out a bunch of different ways.
What was the most fun event you attended for SMPS?
The holiday party is always my favorite event. Tons of great people there and a bunch of non-members show up to see what “SMPS is all about” and it’s a great networking opportunity to meet new people.
What do you do to kick back and relax?
Work out. I’m a big runner and I love to kickbox. Nothing like getting your frustrations out there with kickboxing. Working out/running clears my head from the day so I make sure to make time for it every week within my busy schedule.
What is your favorite musical group/performer?
I’m a huge county fan – love anyone from Kenny Rogers to Dolly Parton to the Dixie Chicks and Faith Hill
What is the most interesting place you’ve visited?
I went to Ireland last summer and ran the Dublin ½ marathon – it was an amazing trip.
Name the most famous person you’ve had a face to face encounter with (“brush with greatness”)?
JoDee Messina – shes a country artist. My friends and I went to Country Thunder our summer out of High School and ended up talking all night to JoDee’s band. They said she was staying at our hotel so we stayed up and waited for her car to pull up. We ran around the back when she showed up and opened the door for her – she said “hi girls.” Biggest night of our life. After that, we proceeded to see what floor she got off on and went up only to sing her songs in the hallway for the next 30 minutes, needless to say, she never came back out.
If you could spend 15 minutes with any living person, who would it be and why?
This is a tough one – but I’m going with Sandra Bullock. I think she’s amazing at life. I should probably say someone more “meaningful” but love her.
