ESFM Supports Women in FM, Two IFMA Foundation Scholarships Winners Announced

September 26, 2023
Headshots of Marisa Robson and Dongfang Yin.

ESFM has proudly awarded two ESFM-sponsored IFMA (International Facility Management Association) Foundation Scholarships to women looking to make their marks on the profession: Marisa Robson, a senior construction management student at Central Washington University (CWU), and Dongfang Yin who recently earned her facilities management degree from the Pratt Institute in New York.

According to an IFMA report women make up just 20% of the facilities management workforce, only 15% at the senior level.

Robson and Yin have been awarded $1,500 toward their tuition as well as admission and travel expenses to attend IFMA’s World Workplace in Denver, Colo. in late September 2023..

ABOUT MARISA ROBSON

Marisa Robson’s ambition is in hard services; she’s pursuing a career as a project engineer. She’s currently vice president of CWU’s Construction Management Club and previously served as secretary for Women in Construction at CWU. Robson also participated in the Associated Schools of Construction student competition. She has a passion for incorporating sustainability into projects.

ABOUT DONGFANG YIN

Before studying facilities management, Yin earned an M.S. in international business and a B.A. in industrial design. She also holds various professional credentials: Project Management Professional (PMP), LEED AP Building Design & Construction, and LEED Operation & Maintenance. She gained experience with the Pratt Institute Facilities Management team and led an 11,399-square-foot redesign project for an academic administrative building. Yin aims to earn her CFM (certified facility manager) from IFMA as she grows her career.

ESFM is committed to investing in the future of the IFM industry, awarding two IFMA Foundation scholarships annually. As a Gold-level Corporate Sustaining Partner of IFMA, ESFM serves as an industry thought leader, advocate for the advancement of industry professionals and active professional partner in shaping the future of facility management.

ESFM President David Hogland joined the IFMA Foundation Board of Trustees in summer 2023.

Applications for the 2024 IFMA Scholarship will open in January. Click here to learn more about the scholarship or to apply.