Celebrating, giving back, strengthening, connecting and developing is what IFMA does. Within the chapter, there are many ways to get involved depending on your interest and your availability. The best way to get to know IFMA Boston members is to get involved. Take a look back at 2016.

IFMA has great teams of volunteers that work hard throughout the year to make it all happen!

Celebrating with the Awards of Excellence, the Annual Schmooze Cruise, Golf Classic and Holiday Gala are all planned by the special events committee.

Giving back with industry professionals through volunteering not only feels good but opens your eyes to humility. The IFMA community action committee participated with Cradles to Crayons, the Jimmy Fund Walk, Light the Night Walk and The Eco Carpentry Challenge by the Furniture Trust. The Boston chapter IFMA board of directors spends a day doing service at the SPARK Center for Community Day to help out any way they can, from yard work, repairs and gardening. Contributions to The Spark Center come from members donations from raffle tickets and silent auctions at events throughout the year. The mission of the SPARK Center is to help Boston’s highest-risk children to build brighter tomorrows. SPARK provides therapeutic, medically-specialized programs for children of all ages based on the philosophy that all children are resilient and able to take control of their futures.

There are also committees that plan lectures and tours of new facilities as well as classes for certifications strengthening our future professional development in the workplace.

IFMA headquarters in Texas coordinates the planning of national events.  I had the privilege of attending the Annual IFMA Advocacy Day and public forum in Washington D.C. this year. Advocating and Connecting with IFMA members from across the U.S. to represent the Boston chapter was an amazing learning experience. IFMA has given to me more than I could possibly give back. I am so proud to be part of this association and am looking forward to a great 2017.

Annie McEvoy is an associate publisher at the New England Real Estate Journal, Norwell, Mass.