To help share its mission and successes, the MPI Foundation has released its 2025 Annual Impact Report, boasting real-life testimonials from supporters and beneficiaries worldwide.
In fact, we received so many glowing testimonials from MPI Foundation scholarship recipients, they couldn’t all fit in the print report. It’s important to spread such human stories of the Foundation’s impact on event professionals—and some of the event professionals’ own journeys—so we’re publishing these additional interviews in a series of blog posts.
Meet Kelly McGrath (MPI Oregon Chapter), program manager at Western Institute of Nursing, recipient of an MPI Foundation scholarship to attain her Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) designation.
How did the MPI Foundation scholarship to receive your CMM certificate impact you?
I was elated to learn that I had been selected to receive a scholarship for the pursuit of my CMM through MPI. I actually did a little happy dance in my living room! After a very trying past few years, the boost to my spirit from the news was unexpected but so energizing. The CMM tuition is a substantial fee, one I was willing to take on as it was time to invest in myself, and I knew I had the experience necessary to earn the certificate. My industry giving back to me was an empowering message that I was worth their investment and effort, and it was time to accept the help that I’ve given to others.
Can you share a favorite takeaway from the experience?
The experience of applying for the scholarship was a bit daunting as I had never applied for one in my life! When I reflect on the application experience, I deeply appreciated the support of the MPI Academy Director Tim Luepke and MPI Education Manager Andrea Rice. They went above and beyond to answer my questions and make me feel valued as a meeting professional.
Did that experience affect your perception of professional scholarships and/or the MPI Foundation?
I admit, I thought this was a long shot. Being awarded this scholarship opened my eyes to possibilities that I had not considered before, as well as feeling like I wanted to participate more in MPI once I finished the program. I felt like devouring as much education as I could and seeing what else I could accomplish.
What would you say to event industry peers who may be hesitant to apply for similar scholarships?
Apply! If you’re hesitant just remember, someone has to win the scholarship—why couldn’t it be you? Millions of dollars in scholarships go unawarded each year and as the saying goes, “closed mouths don’t get fed.” And if you are in a position to contribute to the MPI Foundation, please do!
Besides the obvious financial benefit, the exercise of applying for this scholarship was great for remembering my skills and experience. It can remind you of who you are and from where you’ve come—and why your journey should matter to others. To shift focus back onto you and what you are worth is an affirming practice in the face of our challenges and fast-paced profession. We are so used to keeping one eye on a deadline while running to the next task or project, revitalizing our confidence and being kind to ourselves is more important than ever. I am not sure a scholarship application will mean the same thing to everyone but if you don’t try, the outcome is guaranteed.
Click to learn more about and apply for MPI Foundation scholarships.
