Insights and inspiration for project professionals

A Global Milestone

On August 14th, the PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF) hosted a global webinar to commemorate its 35th anniversary, reflecting on its evolution from “Project 202” in 1989 to a global force in youth empowerment through project management.

 

Ashley Forsyth, Executive Director of PMIEF, opened the session by honoring PMI’s founding legacy and Jim Snyder’s birthday, emphasizing PMIEF’s shift from higher education to youth-focused initiatives. Since 2019, PMIEF has strategically partnered with youth-serving nonprofits, empowering over 9.9 million young people worldwide and aligning its mission with UN SDG #4: Quality Education.

Achievements to Date

Andrew Whitmire, Manager of PMIEF, highlighted the foundation’s present achievements:

• Reaching over 3.4 million youth in 2024 alone.
• Providing more than USD 2.2 million in scholarships since 2010.
• Building partnerships with 18 global nonprofits, including recent additions like SkillsUSA and the New York Academy of Sciences.
• Launching the Skills for Life Virtual Toolkit, now enhanced with agile practices and AI prompts to support modern learning.

 

Inspiring Voices from the Panel

The panel featured inspiring perspectives:

• Aurio De la Cruz Salazar, PMI LATAM Volunteer Social Impact Lead, highlighted how project management can serve as a bridge between professionals and youth.
• Laura Jones, PMIEF Kerzner Award winner and Special Olympics International PMO lead, shared how project management skills empower inclusive communities.
• Apoorva Ganapathi, an 18-year-old youth ambassador, spoke passionately about how project management transformed their leadership mindset and personal growth.

Looking Ahead

PMIEF aims to:

• Deepen global impact, especially in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Expand scholarships and volunteer engagement.
• Promote the PM Skills for Life toolkit as a universal resource for youth education.

 

My Personal Reflections

As Director of Finance & Administration of PMI Belgium, an active Board Member, and a proud Volunteer for PMI Southern Italy Chapter supporting high school initiatives in collaboration with the Regional Government Department of Education, I am deeply moved and inspired by the incredible journey and impact of PMIEF.

Being a PMIEF supporter and contributor to the PM Skills for Life initiative has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my professional and volunteer life. Witnessing how project management empowers youth to become confident, capable leaders is a testament to the power of education and community collaboration.

I am proud to be part of this transformative mission and look forward to continuing our work to elevate young minds and build a better future through project success.

The recording will be available soon on ProjectManagement.com.

 

Warm regards,

Giuseppe Di Maria
Director of Finance & Administration, PMI Belgium
Volunteer, PMI Southern Italy Chapter
PMIEF Supporter