I Joined Because My Boss Told Me To—But I Stayed Because It Changed Everything

When I first joined MPI Minnesota, it wasn’t exactly by choice—it was a directive from my boss when I started in corporate hotel sales in Bloomington. I didn’t know then that saying "yes" would completely change the trajectory of my career and life.

Early on, I learned that the best way to get value from your membership is to get involved. Joining a committee opened the door to a group of people who weren’t just professionals—they were passionate, fun, and committed to making a positive impact in our association. I wasn’t just attending events anymore—I was connecting, learning, and contributing.

Through MPI, I’ve gained lifelong friendships, earned my Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, and attended several World Education Conferences (WEC). The networking, education, and leadership opportunities I found helped me grow into an experienced Director of Sales & Marketing. No matter where my career took me—from hotel to hotel around the metro—MPI was a constant. I stayed involved every step of the way.

My “aha” moment came during a chapter meeting when I saw then-President Jaimie Mattes at the podium. Watching her lead the organization with confidence and poise, I knew: I wanted to do that. I wanted to be chapter president. There was a mystique and a sense of prestige about the role—not for the title, but for the opportunity to help shape the future of our community.

Serving as MPI Minnesota President was an honor. We achieved several things during my term, but one I’m especially proud of is the excellent scorecard we received from the Global team. It was a reflection of our collective hard work and dedication.

MPI changed my life. I truly believe I owe my career to the people I met and the opportunities I embraced within this organization. If you’re on the fence about getting involved, my advice is simple: just say yes. Say yes to helping where you can. Whether it’s a skill you already have or something you want to develop for the next stage of your career, volunteering is the gateway to growth, connection, and fulfillment.