Member Spotlight – Leika Uzcategui

November 03, 2020

This month’s spotlight shines on Leika Uzcategui, Marketing Coordinator, Rider Levett Bucknall

SMPS MD: How long have you been a member of SMPS and what’s your best experience so far?

LU: I have attended many SMPS events over the years and I finally became a member in 2019. The experience has been great. I have been able to connect with new faces and re-connect with old friends. I’m excited to be helping with one of the SMPS committees as well.

SMPS MD: What is your current job? How long have you been with your company? What do you enjoy most?

LU: I am a marketing coordinator for Rider Levett Bucknall’s, Washington, DC office. I have been with RLB for a year, and I love it! I enjoy that our marketing group, which is spread throughout the US, has stayed in constant contact throughout the pandemic. We meet weekly and take time to lead conversations on interesting subject matters such as women in architecture, bridge types, historic preservation, cost estimating and more! My favorite meetings have been ice breaker games like Jeopardy and Bingo!

SMPS MD: What was the last thing you learned that helped you in your job?

LU: As we are all aware, LinkedIn is a powerful tool. I recently had the chance to listen to Ida Cheinman, Principal/Creative Director with Substance151, present Reinventing Your Marketing and Business Development with LinkedIn. Prior to that, our corporate team, provided a LinkedIn training on its importance, how to stay branded, and how to make social media engagement easy!

SMPS MD: I’m happiest when…

LU: That’s an easy one! When I’m outside walking, fishing, hiking, at the beach; anywhere outdoors.

SMPS MD: If you weren’t a marketer, what would you be?

LU: If you asked me prior to the pandemic, I probably would have said I would want to be an art teacher. Our teachers are beyond amazing, and I give them a lot of credit teaching our young kids today in these trying circumstances!

SMPS MD: What is your favorite place outside of work?

LU: The beach – any beach!

SMPS MD: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

LU: There are so many fantastic places I would love to visit. Scotland has always been on my list so I can see highland cows, and castles of course!

SMPS MD: What’s your favorite thing to do on Sundays?

LU: On Sundays I like trying out new recipes with the family! The kids love to help cook.

SMPS MD: Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without?

LU: Oreos!

Brief Bio:

Leika is a Marketing Coordinator for Rider Levett Bucknall and is responsible for authoring and drafting content for qualifications and proposal submittals, brochures and capability statements. She is responsible for market research of potential new clients and opportunities.

About Member Spotlights: SMPS Maryland has a diverse membership including new and seasoned marketing and business development professionals from the architectural, engineering and construction community. Each month we will feature one of these members, chosen at random, in the Member Spotlight. It’s a great way for you to you meet your colleagues and find members with similar interests.