By Brenna Quan AIFD
The American Institute of Floral Designers has a special group that it recognizes: the Laureate Status Members. These individuals qualify to apply once they reach at least 21 years of membership, with a minimum attendance of 10 National Symposia. Once the status has been achieved, our Laureates are saluted for their long-time dedication and support to our association and annual industry convention.
As the current Northwest Chapter President, I am so proud to spotlight one of the newest additions to this lauded group, an active member of our region. Inducted in San Diego, California in 2002, Susan Ishkanian AIFD CFD was acknowledged for earning her Laureate Status at this past 2023 Symposium in Chicago, Illinois, which marked her 16th time as an attendee. She is currently serving as a Director on our Chapter Board once again, having been in this role of leadership before.
If you have attended past Symposiums and been involved with the Industry Partners program, you may remember Susan in the position of Chair for multiple years, having served on that committee previously by way of invitation from Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD.
“Only by working behind-the-scenes can one truly appreciate and value the immense dedication, professionalism and commitment our Industry Partners have for AIFD, Symposium and our field.” She also expressed that “it was a privilege to work each year with the other Symposium Chairs, designers and fellow volunteers. As a result of serving on that committee up until 2019, I have an even greater respect for our Partners and valued friendships made over the years.”
Susan has been a freelance floral designer since 2003, having previously worked in various retail shops. This change offered her exciting opportunities to work out-of-state and internationally. Working with an expanded network of designers on large-scale events enables her to continuously add to her arsenal of techniques and skills! Some of these have been useful for her role as Lead Float Designer for Fiesta Floats during the highly regarded annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA.
When asked what advice she would offer new inductees to the AIFD family, she would encourage all to serve on different AIFD Committees as well as volunteer their time and talent at National Symposium!
“Your involvement will soon open unexpected doors and the journey to learn and grow is endless.”
