This International Volunteer Day, I find myself reflecting on my incredible 20+ year journey as a volunteer with the Project Management Institute (PMI). What began as a single act of giving back has grown into a fantastic adventure that has profoundly shaped both my professional and personal life.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats—chapter leader, mentor, global ambassador, standards contributor, and so much more. Every role I’ve embraced has been a gateway to growth, learning, and community. One of my earliest volunteering experiences was helping with local chapter events. Seeing how our shared passion for project management brought people together was unforgettable and inspired me to keep going.
Later, I had the honor of mentoring budding project managers. Watching them grow in confidence and skill became one of the most meaningful parts of my volunteer work. Collaborating on global PMI initiatives introduced me to cultural diversity and gifted me lifelong friendships with individuals from many corners of the world.
What makes volunteering with PMI so unique is the sheer range of opportunities available. Whether you love coaching individuals, contributing to standards development, building study hall questions, organizing regional events, or presenting at PMI global and Chapter events, there’s always a way to make an impact. That diversity has fueled my enthusiasm year after year. Every volunteer experience felt like a new chapter, each one more fulfilling than the last.
One memorable moment that captures why I’ve stayed committed all these years happened during a PMI Congress event. I still remember the overwhelming gratitude from attendees when I co-presented complex problem-solving methodology to solve real-world project challenges. Knowing I played even a small part in their success was incredibly rewarding.
Volunteering with PMI isn’t just about giving back. It sharpens your skills, expands your network, and helps you evolve as a professional. But more than that, it opens your heart to a global community united by the belief that project management can drive positive change.
To those considering volunteering, I encourage you to take that first step. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, there’s a place for you in this vibrant community—and trust me, you’ll gain more than you give.
Thank you, PMI, and my fellow volunteers for making the past two decades extraordinary. Here’s to many more years of inspiring, learning, and growing together!
