Meet Our Leadership - Kimberly Syre

How Did You Become Involved In ISPE?

KS: I’m kind of like the ISPE cheerleader?? ISPE has been the center of my life for 30 years. While working at Pacific Rim Mechanical in San Diego, my boss, Ted Keenen asked me to help him start the San Diego Chapter. Shortly thereafter, I worked with Paul Crissman and others to start the Los Angeles Chapter. Shortly thereafter, I started working with the San Francisco Chapter.

?

Tell Me About the Synergy of the ISPE California Chapters?

KS: Since the beginning, the three ISPE California Chapters have been in a friendly competition with one another. We put this collective energy to work during COVID. Knowing we could not have our in-person facility tours and technical presentations; we quickly began having weekly virtual meetings to plan webinars. Dozens of technical webinars were held to keep our members engaged and informed during the difficult time. Webinars were open to anyone at no cost. Due to the incredible efforts of our volunteer Board of Directors, all three Chapters were awarded “2020 Affiliate and Chapter Excellence Award” by ISPE. To my knowledge, it was the first collaborative award given by ISPE.

?

What motivates you to continue doing this work?

KS:?I’ve seen intelligent, driven young professionals advance in their careers and eventually become industry executives. Connecting these seasoned professionals with those just starting out has become a goal of mine. Companies are always looking for the best and brightest and the energetic young professionals are eager to prove their value and put their years of study to work.?

?

Hands down the best part of my job is interacting with our members.?I’ve been doing this for so long, there’s always something I can provide to help someone feel more comfortable. Going to a meeting for the first time can be intimidating. I like to engage with new people. This is how I have met some of our best ISPE leaders. Our President Quy Tran is someone I was drawn to right away. I encouraged him to get involved and now he is the LA Chapter President.

?

What advice would you give to young women just starting out?

KS:?Find your people. I was not born with the social gene. I’ve had to cultivate it. Now it’s part of my DNA. You may experience some uncomfortable moments. But ignore your internal reservations. If you can’t find a group to join, create your own group. Find others in our industry who share your interests and who are genuinely encouraging. Trust me, it’s well worth the effort.?

?

Years ago, some of my ISPE friends and I started an ISPE networking group called “Chicks In Charge”. Typically after an ISPE event, we would get together, inviting new women from the event. Our primary goal was to support other women in our industry. We became and still are a true community of lifetime friends. I’ve had the honor of officiating four ISPE weddings from this group.?

?

What makes the LA Chapter unique?

KS:?I love representing the "Hollywood Chapter.”?I was born in LA in the same hospital as my two older uncles and two younger brothers. My family has been in California for many generations. This vibrant metropolis has been the backdrop of lifetime memories for all of us. In 2015 we cheered for athletes competing in the Special Olympics World Games at the LA Coliseum. We have had our Vendor Night exhibit shows at the Queen Mary, Petersen Automotive Museum, Globe Theater and even on a yacht in Newport Beach.

?

In the summer of 2019, the LA Chapter participated in the Malibu Triathlon Relay benefitting Children’s Hospital. Representing the Women In Pharma team, I cycled 17 miles with teammates Robin Smallwood (swimmer) and Thao Nguyen Nguyen (runner). The Men’s team was?Paul?Crissman (cyclist), Dan Borton (swimmer) and Alexander Schramm (runner).

?

Can you tell us something interesting or fun about yourself that is not related to work?

KS:?When I’m not working, I love spending time with friends paddle boarding, kayaking, cycling and attending sporting events. Last year I went to most of the Angel City Football Club home games. It was the first season of the celebrity-owned women’s pro soccer team. We are planning a networking event to watch the team play at the BMO Stadium near USC this summer.

?

How can people get involved with the organization or support its mission?

KS:?Each ISPE Chapter has numerous Committees. Find the Committee that interests you and reach out to the Chair. Volunteer to help at any capacity that suits you. Some can spend more time than others. If you don’t have a lot of time, volunteer to help at Vendor Night or the Golf Tournament. Being involved is a ton of fun and helps to increase your knowledge.?

----------------