2025 Member & Volunteer Appreciation Event

by Kasie Pickart

WMPMI is a volunteer-led organization, committed to advancing the science and practice of project management across Western Michigan. Since our humble beginnings with 26 members, we've grown to nearly 1,000 strong. Through professional development events, workshops, networking, and outreach, we support and elevate the project management community. Our leadership team, comprised of a volunteer board including a president, seven vice presidents, and 17 directors, ensures the project management community stays connected and continue to serve with purpose.

WMPMI President Rosemary Mills opened the evening with a simple yet powerful message:

“While project management is our profession, community is our foundation. Your dedication, time, and talent move our mission forward every day.”

It set the tone for a night full of appreciation. Among the highlights were our award winners - each one a reflection of the diverse strengths that power our chapter:

A special thank you to Patricia Brown-May, MBA, PMP, VP of Member Experience, and Patricia Boer, Director of Member Experience, for orchestrating this incredible evening. 

Jamal Steward, recipient of the Energizer Award and our fantastic emcee for the evening, captured the spirit of the night perfectly: “Networking local resources, sharing the project, volunteering - this is what it’s about. Project management is lessons learned. I loved attending and giving back.”

Whether you were meeting new people during our icebreaker bingo (which was a huge hit!) or walking away with one of our fantastic raffle prizes, the night had a little something for everyone.

It wasn’t just about recognizing the past -it was about igniting the future. Our Membership drive is gaining momentum, and events like this are building the kind of culture that brings people in - and keeps them engaged.

Author, Shandra Martinez | Wednesday, March 12, 2025

When Travis Pursel thinks about project management, he doesn’t just see spreadsheets and timelines, he sees a life skill.

Project management is utilized in everyday life," says Pursel, vice president of academic outreach for the West Michigan Project Management Institute (WMPMI). "Whether you're organizing an event, launching a business, or leading a team, having a structured approach to planning and execution is critical."

A Day of Inspiration and Growth

by Nadia Sunny

On October 8, 2024, the Western Michigan chapter of PMI (WMPMI) hosted its much-anticipated Professional Development Day. This event served as a platform for project management practitioners and aspirants, educators, and administrators to come together and explore the use of various AI tools to maximize their potential in managing projects efficiently and effectively while earning PDUs toward PMP certification.

The WMPMI Board of Directors was excited to have members, guests, volunteers, and community guests who joined us for a day of engaging sessions, networking, and innovative learning focused on AI’s impact on project management. A special thank you to our speakers and sponsors who helped make this day possible. 

Author: Nadia Sunny, WMPMI 

Dr. Ledlow stopped by the booth we were setting up, with Hobbs the Huskie. He is the current Principal for Portage Northern High School and Hobbs is their therapy dog. From WMPMI (wmpmi.org) 9-12 Academic Outreach, we were able to join in the Career Expo April 18, 2024.

FOX 17 INTERVIEWS WMPMI PRESIDENT ABOUT VETERANS MONTH EVENTS 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI: This morning, Fox 17 in Grand Rapids interviewed WMPMI Chapter President Kinga Winiarska about the chapter's upcoming events featuring veteran speakers. Kinga emphasized that all November events are free for all veterans and active military. Please click the link below to view the interview. 

Free Professional Development Events
for Veterans

FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR VETERANS AND SERVICE MEMBERS
Upcoming events highlight military veterans thriving in the field of project management

GRAND RAPIDS, MI: This November, to coincide with Veterans Day, the Western Michigan chapter of the Project Management Institute (WMPMI) will host its 5th annual Veterans Month. Offerings include three events presented by military veterans, and all veterans and active service members will receive complimentary registration, including a free meal for inperson attendees, by using the promo code ‘VETERAN2021’.