President’s Message – Kim Collins

Women in Project Management

March is International Women's Month, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of women across all fields, and that of course includes project management. As project professionals, we understand the power of collaboration, strategic thinking, and effective communication. This month, it's especially important to acknowledge women who are not just managing projects but shaping the future of our profession. Women like Lynda Bourne, PMP, DPM, who focuses on the human aspect of project management, Carol Bell, a groundbreaking figure in construction project management, and Rebecca Winston, Esq., JD, a long-standing PMI member who helped found the Women in Project Management SIG and served as its first co-chair, these women and more are driving innovation, fostering inclusive teams, and demonstrating resilience.

I recently read something about viewing everyday life as a series of projects, and it's changed my perspective. Like a big Kanban board, I now see my 'projects' as mini-sprints, with daily stakeholder interactions. It strikes me how naturally project management principles align with the varied roles women navigate – managing households, careers, and community initiatives. This ability to juggle and address stakeholders highlights the invaluable skills women bring to formal project management.

Their diverse perspectives enrich our understanding of project complexities. Successful projects, whether personal or professional, rely on adaptability, communication, and understanding the human element. Women often bring this organized, thoughtful approach to the projects they lead, making them indispensable.

So, this International Women's Month, let's continue to champion gender equality and recognize the remarkable women impacting our projects and beyond. Let's commit to creating environments where women can thrive, where all voices are heard, and their leadership is celebrated. By building bridges and breaking barriers, we empower not only women, but the entire project management community.

To dive deeper into women shaping our field, explore some of these resources:

12 Inspiring Women in Project Management 

Lessons from Women in Project Management 

The State of Women in Project Management 2023 

Women of Project Management (WOPM)