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When Â鶹´«Ã½ recently asked members what the association means to them, it’s no surprise that our global community had a lot to share! 

Here’s one of our favorite stories, shared by Jennifer Brown from Â鶹´«Ã½ Midwest. 

Â鶹´«Ã½ has meant so much to me on both a personal and professional level. It’s more than just an association — it’s a a community where I’ve built friendships that have turned into lifelong bonds and gained mentors and colleagues who continuously inspire me. 

Â鶹´«Ã½ has also been instrumental in shaping my career by providing unmatched networking opportunities and industry-leading education that keeps me ahead of the curve. 

My relationship with Â鶹´«Ã½ took on even deeper significance during one of the most challenging times of my career. The week I was scheduled to take the CITP exam, I unexpectedly lost my job. I had never been in that position before, and it was incredibly unsettling. 

However, instead of letting that setback define me, I made a conscious decision to focus on the exam and dive deeper into my professional development through Â鶹´«Ã½. 

In those moments of preparation and study, I found a renewed sense of purpose. I realized that with the extensive experience I had gained and the community support Â鶹´«Ã½ offered, I would find my way forward. 

Passing the CITP and staying connected with Â鶹´«Ã½ were affirming steps that reminded me of my resilience and the doors that dedication and camaraderie can open. 

In the spirit of celebrating our members, here’s more inÂ鶹´«Ã½s from Jennifer — gleaned during a recent Q&A with Â鶹´«Ã½'s membership team. 

What course of study did you follow prior to joining our industry? 

A: Prior to joining the industry, I had a Bachelor of Communication from Mizzou (University of Missouri). I then went on to complete my MBA at Maryville University. 

During my time at Mizzou, I did two internships with Walt Disney World (The Disney College Program). For my first internship I was stationed at The Yacht and Beach Club and rotated through F&B and the Front Desk.  For my Advanced Internship, I was Guest Relations Lead at Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

If you didn’t work in your current incentive travel industry segment, which one would you like to work in? Why?

A: Well...I have worked on both the third party and on the national sales side of the incentive industry. The only thing left would be gifting, DMC or DMO! I think the DMC side would be fun as I love to create experiences and use the creative side of my brain. 

If budget was no obstacle and you were Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s CEO, what project or initiative would you immediately implement?

A: I would love to see Â鶹´«Ã½ International Board of Directors (IBOD) members and Foundation get more involved at the chapter level.  

Whether it is the IBOD or Â鶹´«Ã½ Foundation, everyone should be required to participate at the chapter level to better understand what motivates and what frustrates members at a more localized level.  It feels like there is too much of a divide between the three areas of Â鶹´«Ã½.

What’s the best career advice you ever received?

A: Always be curious and learn new things to stay well-rounded!