Background & Motivation
1. What inspired you to volunteer with PMI St. Louis Chapter? I moved to Fenton, MO for a job opportunity in 2013. I jointed PMIMSL to network with others in the area. I volunteered to help with registration, then was elected to 2 terms as VP of Admin. I moved back to Columbia MO in 2017, served as VP of Admin for 2 years (2 years previously as VP of Professional Development). I then was elected again as VP of Admin for the PMIMSL Chapter. The passion, knowledge, and skills of PMI members and the PMI Community make it an honor to serve. The professional friendships are priceless!
2. How long have you been a member and volunteer for PMIMSL? 2013-2019; 2024-present.
3. What roles have you served in as a volunteer? I worked the registration desk for Chapter Meetings before being elected as VP of Admin and Governance.
Impact & Experience
1. What has been your most memorable volunteer experience with PMIMSL? Seeing the members and sharing the excitement of in-person meetings after the COVID lockdown.
2. How has volunteering impacted your personal or professional growth? Volunteering has impacted both my personal and professional growth. When federal funds dried up and my contractor job ended, it was my PMI Chapter connections that eventually led to my current position, which I have held for 7+ years.
3. What skills have you gained or strengthened through your volunteer work? My leadership skills have definitely been strengthened and my network has expanded.
Community & Advice
1. What do you enjoy most about being part of the PMIMSL volunteer community? The passion to serve and the camaraderie of colleagues are the most enjoyable part of serving. While our backgrounds are diverse, we come together with a common purpose.
2. What advice would you give someone considering volunteering with PMIMSL? Do it! There is a role for you! Even if you don’t see an open position that fits your area(s) of interest, make your interest known. Communicate with a Board member any idea(s) you have that will bring value to our membership or community. We can make it happen.
3. How do you balance volunteering with other personal and professional commitments? I have many personal and professional responsibilities, and many times it feels more like a juggling act rather than a balancing act. As the saying goes, “Those who want to find a way. Those who don’t find an excuse.” Volunteering is not a silo activity. As a PMIMSL volunteer, we build our teams, and our teams share the work. That’s the rewarding part.
1. What inspired you to volunteer with PMI St. Louis Chapter? I moved to Fenton, MO for a job opportunity in 2013. I jointed PMIMSL to network with others in the area. I volunteered to help with registration, then was elected to 2 terms as VP of Admin. I moved back to Columbia MO in 2017, served as VP of Admin for 2 years (2 years previously as VP of Professional Development). I then was elected again as VP of Admin for the PMIMSL Chapter. The passion, knowledge, and skills of PMI members and the PMI Community make it an honor to serve. The professional friendships are priceless!
2. How long have you been a member and volunteer for PMIMSL? 2013-2019; 2024-present.
3. What roles have you served in as a volunteer? I worked the registration desk for Chapter Meetings before being elected as VP of Admin and Governance.
Impact & Experience
1. What has been your most memorable volunteer experience with PMIMSL? Seeing the members and sharing the excitement of in-person meetings after the COVID lockdown.
2. How has volunteering impacted your personal or professional growth? Volunteering has impacted both my personal and professional growth. When federal funds dried up and my contractor job ended, it was my PMI Chapter connections that eventually led to my current position, which I have held for 7+ years.
3. What skills have you gained or strengthened through your volunteer work? My leadership skills have definitely been strengthened and my network has expanded.
Community & Advice
1. What do you enjoy most about being part of the PMIMSL volunteer community? The passion to serve and the camaraderie of colleagues are the most enjoyable part of serving. While our backgrounds are diverse, we come together with a common purpose.
2. What advice would you give someone considering volunteering with PMIMSL? Do it! There is a role for you! Even if you don’t see an open position that fits your area(s) of interest, make your interest known. Communicate with a Board member any idea(s) you have that will bring value to our membership or community. We can make it happen.
3. How do you balance volunteering with other personal and professional commitments? I have many personal and professional responsibilities, and many times it feels more like a juggling act rather than a balancing act. As the saying goes, “Those who want to find a way. Those who don’t find an excuse.” Volunteering is not a silo activity. As a PMIMSL volunteer, we build our teams, and our teams share the work. That’s the rewarding part.
Debbi StaffordSenior Lead, Project Management