MPI Foundation Series: Sandra Leslie, CMP, CMP-H, CMM

Sandra Leslie has been the Events Manager for the Department of Radiology at the University of Ottawa for the past eight years. She holds her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), CMP-Healthcare and a Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM). She previously held the role of VP of Education on the MPI Ottawa Board of Directors.

How did you hear about the MPI Foundation?

I knew there were many grants and scholarships available to MPI members, so I went to the website www.mpiweb.org/foundation, and saw a scholarship offered for the CMM program. I always wanted to get that designation, so I decided to apply.

Tell us about the application

It is a very easy process; the application gives you step-by-step instructions. You need a letter from your employer and you need to be a current MPI member. It took about a month before the Foundation got back to me and let me know what I would receive.

What were you awarded?

I was awarded a USD$1,500 scholarship to take my CMM designation, which covered my in-class time and part of the travel.

What would you tell somebody interested in getting their CMM?

It offered great networking opportunities with peers that have the same interest—but be prepared to work hard.

What advice would you give?

Why wouldn’t you apply and invest in your career and future?! It’s easy to apply and there are many different scholarships and grants.

For more information on the MPI Foundation scholarships, visit https://www.mpiweb.org/foundation/scholarships, or to donate to the Foundation and help support our members, visit: https://www.mpiweb.org/foundation/donate.