SMPS CT 2025-2026 Mentorship Program Recap
Posted by Communications Committee on Jul. 28, 2026 / Events / Subscribe 0
SMPS Connecticut recently wrapped up the 2025–2026 Mentorship Program. Throughout the year, participants met one-on-one and built relationships centered on their individual goals and experiences. These conversations provided a space to ask questions openly, work through professional challenges, and gain perspective from someone outside their immediate workplace.
The program began with an in-person kick-off in September and continued through individual mentor-protégé meetings and virtual cohort gatherings. Each pair set goals early in the process, revisited their progress throughout the year, and considered how to continue growing after the formal program concluded.
The full cohort also came together for interactive sessions exploring what it means to build a career in AEC marketing.
The first session, Building Your Voice and Value in A/E/C Marketing, featured mentors Samantha VanSchoick, Nichole Petersen, and Christopher Cardany. They shared lessons from their own career paths and discussed how marketers can become more confident in what they bring to the table.
Later in the year, Abigail M. Carlen and Sharon Pomeroy led AEC 101: Navigating the Industry, which focused on how marketers fit within the larger AEC industry and the value they bring to their firms. The featured mentors also spoke about the importance of showing up and giving back.
The final cohort session turned to a topic many AEC marketers know well: Burnout, Boundaries & Balance. Dana Prosciak and Marta Dabrowski spoke candidly about managing the demands of the profession and creating healthier, more sustainable ways of working.
What Our Mentors and Protégés Shared
For this year’s participants, mentorship was a shared experience. Protégés gained support as they stepped outside their comfort zones and recognized their own abilities, while mentors gained fresh perspectives and grew alongside the professionals they supported.
“Through this experience, I have grown so much, both professionally and personally. I am more confident in my skills and my own judgment, and I have felt empowered to take on new leadership roles.
- Karina Mallaeva, Protégé
Marta shared how rewarding it was to watch her protégé grow throughout the year.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was watching Karina grow in confidence, embrace new challenges, and step into leadership roles. Our conversations about professional goals and development were especially meaningful, and I gained just as much from her enthusiasm and fresh perspective as I hope she gained from me.”
Beyond their regular conversations, Marta and Karina also attended SMPS NERC together. Marta watched Karina take on new leadership responsibilities, including serving as co-chair of the SMPS CT Communications C Committee.
“This experience reinforced the importance of mentorship, connection, and continuous learning. The relationships you build and the insights you gain have a lasting impact.”
Marta Dabrowski, CPSM, Mentor
Erica entered the program hoping to become more comfortable with networking and connecting with others in the AEC industry.
“I was lucky enough to be paired with a mentor who was eager to help and incredibly supportive as I navigated my first SMPS conference, took on new responsibilities like training new hires, and continued growing in my career.
-Erica Burns, Protégé
For Sharon, participating as a mentor was a reminder of the skills that make mentorship meaningful.
“Being a mentor reminded me of the value of active listening, thoughtful guidance, and the importance of investing in the next generation of AEC marketing professionals.”
Her advice for anyone considering the program?
-Sharon Pomeroy, Mentor
Join the Next Cohort
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025–2026 SMPS CT Mentorship Program and contributed their time, perspective, and support.
The call for applications is now open - submit your application by July 31st.
For questions about the program, contact Mentorship Chair Marta Dabrowski.
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