By Bridget B. Joslin, AIFD, CFD, AAF, AMF President, AIFD South Central Chapter
Recently, when a program for the Arkansas Florists Association needed a designer at the last minute, Ken Senter AIFD, CFD, fellow and his wife, Donna Senter, AIFD, CFD, stepped in to help.
Those of us who plan educational events understand how much that means. A program represents hours of preparation and the expectations of people who have made time to learn. Their willingness to help deserves our sincere appreciation. As President of the AIFD South Central Chapter, that moment gave me another reason to recognize Ken and Donna.
We are blessed to have them in our region, and AIFD is fortunate to have two accomplished members whose shared life in flowers includes a commitment to helping others.
Together, they own The SenterPiece, a wedding and event floral business that has served the greater Houston area for more than 30 years. Their work brings floral visions to life for brides and clients, while their involvement in education and mentoring extends their influence well beyond their business.
Ken’s long career reflects a deep commitment to floral design. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in floriculture, he won the Society of American Florists’ Sylvia Cup in 1986. He has taught and presented floral programs across the United States and internationally, and his AIFD service has included serving as South Central Chapter President, a National Board member, and National Membership Chair. He has given both his knowledge and his time to the organization.
Donna deserves recognition in her own right. Named Texas Designer of the Year in 2007, she brings her own accomplishments and creative experience to their partnership. At The SenterPiece, she enjoys working individually with brides, listening to their ideas and helping translate their wishes into wedding flowers. Her involvement in teaching and mentoring also reflects a willingness to share what she has learned with fellow designers.
It is a special gift to have a married couple within AIFD who share a profession and contribute as individuals. Ken and Donna each bring their own perspective and experience. Together, they remind us how much a partnership can offer a business, a chapter, and an entire floral community.
In a 2016 Focal Points leadership profile, Ken explained his commitment to education: “I have been blessed to have so many wonderful people guide me; I feel a responsibility to give back.” His recent help in Arkansas is a meaningful example of putting that belief into practice. Stepping into a program on short notice takes experience, flexibility, and a willingness to accept an unexpected responsibility. It also means helping preserve an opportunity for fellow florists to learn.
I want Ken to know that his effort was noticed and appreciated. As chapter president, I believe we should take time to recognize the people who help keep our organization strong. We benefit from their experience, their encouragement, and the time they make available alongside the demands of their own businesses. Ken and Donna’s contributions deserve that recognition.
On behalf of the AIFD South Central Chapter, thank you, Ken and Donna. Thank you for sharing your talents, supporting floral education and especially for stepping in when Arkansas needed you. We are blessed to have you both in South Central and proud to celebrate the contributions you continue to make to AIFD and our floral community.
