Dear SEAOI Members,

As summer gradually winds down and we gear up for the vibrant activities of the fall, I hope you all have had the chance to relax and recharge a bit during the busiest season of the year for structural engineers. The energy and enthusiasm each of you brings to our organization is truly inspiring, and I am grateful for your continued dedication and participation.

With September just around the corner, I am thrilled to announce our upcoming Dinner Meeting on September 10 at Cliff Dwellers and encourage you to invite a friend! Ryan Culligan and Brad Young from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill are presenting on the 400 Lake Shore project. In addition to offering details about this new Chicago Gateway, the September Dinner Meeting promises to be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, share insights, and discuss the latest developments in our field. 

Why Attend?

• Engaging Discussions: Our dinner meetings are known for their lively and insightful discussions. This is your chance to hear from leading experts, ask questions, and contribute your own experiences.

• Networking: Building and maintaining professional relationships is key to our success. These meetings provide a relaxed environment to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and expand your network.

• Professional Growth: Continuous learning and development are at the heart of SEAOI's mission. Attending our dinner meetings helps you stay current with industry trends and enhances your professional knowledge.

Bring a Friend!

This year, we are particularly keen on expanding and engaging our community. We encourage each of you to bring a friend or colleague to the September dinner meeting. Whether they are seasoned professionals or just starting their careers, this is a great way to introduce them to the benefits of SEAOI membership. By inviting new faces, we enrich our discussions and broaden our perspectives.

How to Register

Signing up is easy! Simply visit the event page and register for the event. Don't forget to register your guest, too!

I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the dinner meeting and to the engaging conversations that will surely unfold. Together, let's make this event a memorable start to our fall season.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. Let's make this a year of growth, learning, and community.

Warm regards,

Jennie Traut-Todaro SE, LEED AP
President, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois

Thank you for being an essential part of SEAOI. Let's make this year one of connection and growth!

We are going to try something new this year and I hope you’ll join me. I am excited to announce the SEAOI Engagement Challenge, a year-long initiative designed to enhance member involvement and build a stronger community. Each month, we'll introduce a new mini-challenge aimed at fostering engagement, networking, and professional growth.

July’s challenge is to Volunteer for a Committee. That might sound intimidating or overwhelming, but it’s really the best way to make this organization work for you. Volunteering enhances your leadership skills and expands your professional network – and it can even be fun!

Pro Tip: You don’t have to formally join the committee without attending a meeting or two first. Most meetings are virtual and you can easily drop in to get a feeling for what they do and the range of time commitments of the members. Check out our committees here and once you find one (or two) you’d like to check out, email our amazing Executive Director, Stephanie Crain scrain@seaoi.org, and get added to the meeting invitation.

What committees you'll find me in:

• Continuing Education
• Women in Structural Engineering
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• SEAOI Board Meeting
• SEAOI Strategic Plan

Here’s what you can look forward to over the next year:

July: Volunteer for a Committee
Sign up to volunteer with one of our committees or events.

August: Bring a Friend
Invite a member or non-member colleague with you to attend the Fall Kick-Off SEAOI Dinner Meeting in September.

September: Networking Happy Hour
Join a local happy hour with fellow members.

October: Attend a Webinar - Illinois SE Renewal is 11/30!
Join at least one SEAOI webinar and share your key takeaways.

November: Social Media Engagement
Post about your SEAOI involvement on LinkedIn and your other social media accounts and tag us.

December: Spotlight a Member
Nominate a colleague who inspires you for our monthly member spotlight.

January: New Year, New Goals
Set and share your professional goals for the year ahead.

February: Share a Success Story
Submit a story about a project or achievement you’re proud of. It can be your own success or a colleague's!

March: Share Your Ideas
Submit your ideas for future SEAOI activities, events, or initiatives to help us better serve our members.

April: Community Service
Participate in a community service project and share your experience.

May: Mentor a Student
Offer to mentor a student or young professional in the field.

June: Year-End Reflection
Reflect on your year of engagement and suggest improvements for next year.

Each mini-challenge will be communicated at the beginning of the month via email with further details. Your participation will not only enrich your own professional journey but also contribute to the strength and vitality of our organization and Illinois’s structural engineering community.

Let's get started together!

Warm regards,

Jennie Traut-Todaro SE, LEED AP
President, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois

SEAOI is pleased to present you with our new website.  Along with our improved design, we have made it easier for you to locate the resources and information you need. 

Please reach out to us if you need any assistance.

SEAOI Staff & Board of Directors