President's Monthly Message

January 2023

All members – Welcome to 2023! Flashback to 2013 when I was sitting at my computer trying to determine what words would inspire members to come out and support the PMI-LA chapter. Back in 2013 – we had 8 Programs sites all around the Los Angeles area and we gave members time to network and meet peers in various locations and industries. We had impactful Flagship events and I got to meet so many members in person! Since then, Programs and Career Development events established a regular cadence and then 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns occurred and we had to pivot fast.

What did the Covid-19 lockdowns teach us? We can still provide quality Programs and Career Development events virtually and at a lower cost to our membership. Networking was different and challenging, and the fun and social aspects of membership were put on hiatus. However, while some of us are ready to return to pre-COVID events, there are still others of us that COVID impacted negatively in our families, children, and social world which has left us a little wary of meeting in person. Keeping these pandemic challenges in mind, 2023 is our chance to “change the model” and let PMI-LA once again reach out to provide those same services, programs, career development options, networking options, and volunteering opportunities to a much different membership than 2019.

I met with the incoming 2023 board on December 3-4 to discuss our vision and goals for 2023. COVID impacted the chapter in a big way. We were well over 2000 members in 2019 and dropped down to a low of 1687 – and are just now regaining our membership. One of the 2023 goals is to increase our membership back to over 2000 members.

Another goal for this year is to continue refining the lower-cost virtual offerings while committing to a minimum of 4 in-person programs events. I am looking forward to meeting you at these events. If there are other ideas that you as a member feel would help you re-engage with the chapter, please reach out to the board and let us know.

Our third goal for this year is Project Management Impact across Los Angeles. The board agreed that we would like to set up a framework for Project Managers to meet and network and also have an impact on our world by working on projects related to the 17 UN Sustainable Projects. Ideas like helping out with Project Management at Food Banks, Homeless Assistance Pop-Ups, Marginalized Youth programs, and Project Management programs for K-12 to help bring kids back from the years they missed – are all ways we can contribute. If you have an idea that you would like to put forth please send an email to info@pmi-la.org and let us know.

Stay tuned each month for updates on upcoming events, and a short summary on the chapters 2023 initiatives.

February 2023

Our Annual Business meeting was well attended – with over 120 registered, at one time there were 80 people online! PDUs have been posted, and thank you very much for the feedback. This year’s board has a lot of feedback and will continue to work towards making this a chapter that members enthusiastically want to join, and stay.

Let’s start with our goal to increase members …. In December of 2022, we had 1862 members. At the end of January, we now have 1869 members! Let’s keep up the momentum and tell your friends and colleagues the merits of joining PMI. A quick trip down memory lane, back in the early 1990s, I got my MBA while working for GE. Despite the positive merits of an MBA, it did not net me 1 thin dime in my paycheck, nor recognition of my career goals. Fast forward to 2007 when I was PMP Certified, 2009 when I joined the PMI-LA board, and 2010 when I was CSM Certified. My professional career has moved from Team Lead/Project Manager to Program Manager, to Manager of an RMO (Results Management Office), up to Senior Manager, and most recently Director. Was it the PMP alone? No, but it got me the visibility I needed to move into more responsible positions. It’s a start! For those that have their PMP – consider taking on some more responsible roles within the chapter. LinkedIn and most resume workshops say that a majority of hiring companies are looking for that balance between work and volunteering.

Our retention statistics are not as positive as the membership increases. We went from nearly 80% retention down to 78%. For those that are considering leaving the chapter, I implore you to let us know what it would take to retain your membership. As you are now aware, we are retaining our quality virtual programs and career development opportunities, so even if you leave the area, you can still benefit from being a member of the chapter.

As mentioned, our third goal for this year is Project Management Impact across Los Angeles. WOW! The feedback on this goal was tremendous. I have reached out to our VP of PMO/Admin and we will be looking for volunteers that want to a) Help organize the PMO with intake forms, evaluation criteria, PM assignment, and goals tracking, b) Work as a Senior/Junior Project manager on one of these projects, c) Work as a project team player and/or participant. As a member, if you have an idea that you would like to put forth please send an email to info@pmi-la.org and let us know.

The next in-person meeting will be held on March 9 at the Cambria Hotel in El Segundo. I look forward to seeing you there!

Our first in-person event, the March Flagship was well attended – with 40 registered – it was a full house!  Our very own VP of Programs gave a talk about how to better identify and work with the team and build trust and long-term relationships.  We had 2/3 of attendees attending for the first time or as new members and several new credential holders!

Let’s start with our goal to increase members ….  at the end of February, we are at 1866 members.  Hopefully, it is just the winter doldrums and as spring approaches more members will be attracted to our events!  For those who have their PMP – consider taking on some more responsible roles within the chapter.  Our Volunteer Recruitment is coming on April 6 and we are always looking for fresh ideas.  LinkedIn and most resume workshops say that a majority of hiring companies are looking for that balance between work and volunteering.

Our retention statistics are holding even at 78%.  For those who are considering leaving the chapter, I implore you to let us know what it would take to retain your membership.  As you are now aware, we are retaining our quality virtual programs and career development opportunities, so even if you leave the area, you can still benefit from being a member of the chapter.

As mentioned, our third goal for this year is Project Management Impact across Los Angeles.  We will have a two-pronged approach: look for a website link to tell us about any projects you are personally already engaged in, the number of hours, and if you reported them to PMI already.  Let’s see if Los Angeles Project Managers can contribute 10,000 hours to this initiative!  As a member, if you have an idea that you would like to put forth please send an email to info@pmi-la.org and let us know. 

The chapter has planned a special event for Members on April 26!  Cirque Du Soleil Corteo is coming to Los Angeles and the chapter has secured Loge seating for its membership.  For those that are volunteers, please reach out to volunteers@pmi-la.org to get a discount code to save 20% off the member price!

The next in-person meeting will be held on June 8 at Raffi’s Catering in Pasadena.  Then, in August we have Lee Lambert coming to speak.  For those who don’t know Lee, he is one of the founders of PMP, and here is his LinkedIn profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lelambert/ .    I look forward to seeing you there!

Let’s start with our goal to increase members ….  at the end of April, we are at 1910 members!  Well on our way to moving the chapter membership over 2000!  We will be sending personalized invitations to join the chapter to all members who are currently PMI Members but not chapter members. If you are not yet a member, reach out and let me know what we can do to help you stay engaged with the chapter and up to date with your career development.

Our retention statistics are holding even at 78%.  As you know, we are retaining our quality virtual programs and career development opportunities, so even if you leave the area, you can still benefit from being a member of the chapter.  Looking forward to our very popular JIRA and Scrum classes coming up in May and June.  There is intense leadership training available with chapter-negotiated discounts … just for you!

Six of your hardworking board members were able to attend the North America Leadership Institute Meeting in San Diego where we learned about PMI’s latest initiatives and met with 360 fellow chapter leaders across North America.  We learned that PMI is very focused on Social Good and the PMIef foundation is working towards realigning with the UN Sustainability Development Goals.  They provided us with ideas that we as project managers can use to help the world be a better place.

Aligning with PMI’s Social Impact focus, our third goal for this year is Project Management Impact across Los Angeles.  Our PMO has kicked off and will be helping us to select a couple of key chapter initiatives for you to participate in.  We are almost ready to launch a form to help gather your personal Social Impact hours and we will submit them to PMI on your behalf.  If you know of an organization that you work with that would like to be listed on our page of organizations that focus on social good projects, please email info@pmi-la.org and let us know. 

On April 26, 30 PMI-LA members and guests attended Cirque Du Soleil Corteo.  It was a wonderful show, and it was great to see so many friends in person once again.

On May 9, we have our first industry program in person at El Portal in Pasadena.  The topic will be aligned with Healthcare and Technology.

Our Flagship in-person meeting will be held on June 8 at Raffi’s Catering in Pasadena.  As a reminder, in August we have Lee Lambert coming to speak, and hope to have a location locked down shortly.  For those who don’t know Lee, he is one of the founders of PMP, and here is his LinkedIn profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lelambert/ .   

Beginning May 1, please welcome Nancy Watanabe to the 2023 board as VP of Membership!  Joining us from the PMI-SFBAC chapter, Nancy brings a wealth of non-profit organization knowledge to the board!

I look forward to seeing you at all our events!

Where did May go?  I find myself re-capping all the exciting things that we have done this month and realize its June already!

Let’s start with our goal to increase members ….  as of today, we have 1938 members!  Keep the momentum going!  I sent a personal invitation to PMI Members who are not yet chapter members to check out the many things the chapter is doing this year.  If you are not yet a member, reach out and let me know what we can do to help you stay engaged with the chapter and up to date with your career development.

Our retention statistics are slightly up at 79%.  As you know, we are retaining our quality virtual programs and career development opportunities, so even if you leave the area, you can still benefit from being a member of the chapter.  We have a lot of multi-chapter collaboration events as well as summer career development events coming up, all with Chapter member discounts!

On May 9, we held our first industry program in person at El Portal in Pasadena.  The topic was  Healthcare and Technology, and we had a great turnout of over 30 participants.

Our Flagship in-person meeting was held on June 8 at Raffi’s Catering in Pasadena. We had nearly 70 registered for this event!  Not only did David Shostak share with us tips on how to be superior project managers, but we also held a soft launch for our Social Impact Initiative, along with an event to help put together 100 Snack Packs for the Downtown Women’s Shelter.  Many thanks to all who attended!  The venue was spacious, the food was plentiful and delicious, and excitement was in the air!

Stay tuned for the official kick-off of the Social Impact Initiative on June 22 (virtual)!  The chapter has officially logged 75+ hours towards PMI’s Projects for Social Good!  Let’s keep that community involvement going!

As a reminder, in August we have Lee Lambert coming to speak on a topic that is near and dear to all of us …. The Future of Project Management!  For those who don’t know Lee, he is one of the founders of PMP, and here is his LinkedIn profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lelambert/.   For the location, we are happy to be returning to the Port of LA in San Pedro on board the USS IOWA!  Registration is posted here: https://www.pmi-la.org/calendar?eventId=16237 and for those who want to come in early, we are once again offering docent-led tours for a nominal fee.  The USS IOWA is the last of the Navy battleships and is rich in history. 

VOLUNTEER!  Our VP of Operations, Alexandra, has been busy planning our July Strategic session.  Now is the chance for volunteers to get together in-person for the first time since 2020 to talk about those tactics needed to move the chapter forward and provide value to all members while attracting new members!

I look forward to seeing you at all our events!

Hope the summer has you enjoying staycations or going somewhere relaxing or fun and exciting.  PMI-LA has had some very fun and exciting things to share since June!

Let’s start with our goal to increase members ….  as of today, we have 2025 members!  We hit my personal goal of over 2000 members!  Way to go! Keep the momentum going!  Let’s get back to pre-pandemic numbers!  I will keep sending personal invitations to PMI Members who are not yet chapter members to check out the many things the chapter is doing this year.  If you are not yet a member, reach out and let me know what we can do to help you stay engaged with the chapter and up to date with your career development.

Our retention statistics are holding steady at 79%.  In addition to retaining our quality virtual programs and career development opportunities, we have added monthly multi-chapter collaboration events where you can meet with members from 6 other chapters!  We are also looking at partnering with AITP for an in-person Industry event in October!

Our July Strategic Session was held at the Accenture offices downtown and we built 32 intake kits for Covenant House during breaks and lunch time.  We focused on many things and finally narrowed it down to the top 4 strategic initiatives for 2024! Stay tuned, the results of this meeting will be published soon!

Our Flagship in-person meeting was held on August 10th at the iconic USS IOWA Battleship in San Pedro.  We had 72 registrations for this event and 25 signed up for tours before the event!  Lee Lambert, one of the 5 founding members of the PMP, came and gave some sage advice as to how the PMP is continuously improving and changing since it was first launched.  We enjoyed some historic anecdotes, heard from our 2 sponsors (Project Insight and Facilitated Methods), and learned of another Social Impact opportunity to help maintain the USS IOWA.

Our Social Impact hours have grown to over 600 hours in a mere 6 weeks!  Let’s keep the momentum going with our “Beach Clean-up” on September 23rd and our LA Food Bank volunteering on October 14th.  If helping put kits together is your jam, then on October 24th, at our Industry event, we plan to work on hygiene kits for LA’s homeless community!

Also coming up is our first virtual New Member Orientation for 2023 – for new members and current members that want to know just a little bit more about what the chapter has to offer!  If you just want to come in person to talk to other Project Managers, the Membership team has planned a networking event at Don Antonio’s on August 30th!

In addition to the 120VC Series, PMP training, and leadership courses, we are also once again offering Brand and Land (proven methodology).  It will be held on September 16th – at a very low cost for all members!

I look forward to seeing you at all our events!