With Thanksgiving only a week away, it’s a great opportunity—and reminder—to pause, take a few moments, and reflect on the people and experiences for which we are grateful.

Paying it forward.

With Thanksgiving only a week away, it’s a great opportunity—and reminder—to pause, take a few moments, and reflect on the people and experiences for which we are grateful.

The American Marketing Association (AMA) and our local AMADC chapter welcomed me as a member more than 8 years ago, in a role that involved helping to create this very newsletter. When I first relocated to the D.C area from a smaller city in Florida, I admit feeling overwhelmed as I worked to gain an understanding of the industry – including the companies, learning opportunities, programs and activities – at this larger scale. I was looking for a sense of place. I needed a trusted community. Fortunately, AMADC provided the resources and support to help sort through the clutter and quickly get up to speed. Fast forward to now, AMADC has not only helped me professionally—I credit where I am in my career to connections I made though this chapter—but has also led to genuine friendships. Joining the board, and serving as President, has been my way of paying forward the experience for which I am grateful.  

Our board is made up of professionals who share a common vision. We’ve worked hard to foster and celebrate this sense of place and community, developing several signature programs for our members:

• Collegiate Connector > Our newest community within AMADC. Connect with student members through collegiate AMA clubs on campus at one of the universities in and around the DMV.
• District Current > Our Young Professionals community, offering a centralized hub of resources and a tight-knit community of inspiration in the DC marketing industry!
• Marketing Mentors Network > A six-month program that matches mentors and protégés to build relationships that foster sharing, learning and career growth.

In closing, I encourage you all to get involved (volunteer with us!) and let us know how we can continue to help support your professional goals. Thank you for being a part of our community and for allowing us to be a part of yours.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

–Stephanie