The ConnexFM Women in Action (WIA) Committee awarded five 2021 Women in Action Professional Development Grants at its annual networking reception at CONNEX2021 National Conference.
The Women in Action Committee supports the advancement and introduction of women into the facilities management industry through giving back, professional development and networking.
The grant winners will be awarded the ProFM Credential program – a comprehensive, knowledge-based designation, focused on building knowledge and skills. It is applicable to facility professionals at any point in their careers. The grant winners will complete the program to earn their ProFM credential.
“ConnexFM committees are key to the association – offering members a chance to engage and learn from each other,” said Bill Yanek, CEO, ConnexFM. “The Women in Action committee embodies their mission statement to support women advance in FM by providing monthly educational opportunities and the professional development grant.”
Five grants were awarded in August including:
After years of industry experience, Reynolds decided it was the best time to help further her career and knowledge. “I believe ProFM will expand my knowledge as well as build on my existing knowledge. This will help further develop my leadership role and improve my professional and networking relationships as well as be able to mentor new incoming professionals within my organization,” said Reynolds.
Dana DiCintio, Manager of Construction, Bed Bath & Beyond
After hearing of the ProFM from a recent designee, DiCintio decided to apply for the WIA Professional Development Grant. “I knew that this was something that could help me get to the next level professionally and continue my education. I believe that the ProFM certification will give me additional tools to use in my everyday problem solving and project management,” said DiCintio.
Her decision to apply for the WIA Professional Development Grant was made after careful consideration of the program’s offerings, course content and areas of development. “The comprehensive ProFM certification is inclusive of areas of study both within the scope and scale of my role, as well as a range of other applications outside of my core functions, allowing me to dive deeper into the wide variety of business units that support the all-encompassing facilities concentration,” said Marria.
Jessica Salimbene, W Services Group, LLC
Salimbene applied for this grant to help her gain more knowledge and strength in the Facilities Management industry overall. “The ProFM certification will help me have a broader understanding of the industry as a whole which will aid me in being a strong team member and leader,” said Slimbene.
To advance her knowledge and determine opportunities for growth, Vasquez applied for the WIA’s grant. “I applied for the grant to advance my knowledge in FM so that I can hold my hand out to the next person behind me. In order to grow this profession, we have to elevate our knowledge base so we can make meaningful contributions,” said Vasquez.
WIA will be continuing their professional development grants in 2022. Stay tuned for more information!
