Since stepping into her role, Monique has made an immediate impact by leveraging her data analytics expertise to drive financial transparency and excellence within the chapter.
What Monique values most about PMI-SAC is the supportive and approachable community. She describes an environment where professionals work toward shared goals without competition, fostering a culture of genuine growth. Applying her finance and coordination skills in this collaborative setting, Monique has found a professional home in Calgary that empowers both her career and our mission.
When I moved to Calgary as an international student, I really wanted to stay connected to my field and not feel like I was starting over professionally. I’ve always valued being part of a community, especially one that’s aligned with project management. PMI-SAC felt like a natural fit because it gave me the opportunity to keep learning, meet people in the industry, and contribute in a meaningful way. It also helped me feel more grounded here, both personally and professionally.
Since I’m fairly new, I’m still getting a full view of the role, but so far, I’ve been involved in expense reviews and budget reporting. One thing people might not realize is how important these behind-the-scenes tasks are, they help ensure everything stays organized, transparent, and aligned so the chapter can run smoothly. Even early on, I’ve seen how much coordination and attention to detail it takes to support the team, ensure resources are managed effectively and making sure our members get the most value from our initiatives. We also
have a lot of improvements planned for the year ahead, including providing the board with a more real-time and transparent view of our finances. I’m really looking forward to contributing my skills in data analytics to help support that and add more value to the team.
Volunteering has been a really valuable way for me to stay active professionally while I’m building my career here in Canada. It has allowed me to apply my background in finance, operations, and coordination in a new environment, while also learning how things are done in a non-profit setting. At the same time, I’ve been able to grow my communication and collaboration skills and expand my network. It’s given me both confidence and practical experience that directly supports my professional goals.
Definitely the people. Everyone is supportive, approachable, and genuinely willing to help each other out. It doesn’t feel intimidating or competitive. Instead, it feels like a group of people who are all working toward a shared goal while also supporting each other’s growth. That kind of environment makes it easier to stay engaged and motivated, and it’s something I really appreciate being part of.
I’d say just take that first step, even if you’re not completely sure yet. You don’t need to have everything figured out or feel 100% ready. PMI-SAC is a very welcoming community, and there are opportunities for different backgrounds and experience levels. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, build connections, and grow your confidence. Once you get involved, you’ll start to see where you fit and how you can contribute and that’s when it really becomes rewarding.
