Shalini Jasra brings passion, purpose, and thoughtful leadership to her role as PMI-SAC’s Mentorship Program Lead. Through her work, she connects professionals across career stages, builds meaningful relationships, and demonstrates how volunteering can strengthen both community and confidence. In this interview, Shalini shares what inspired her to volunteer, what her role truly involves, and why mentorship continues to be one of PMI-SAC’s most impactful programs.
I am deeply passionate about project management. I joined PMI-SAC during my maternity leave because I wanted to stay meaningfully connected to my profession while taking time for my family. Volunteering offered the perfect opportunity to remain engaged with the project management community, continue learning and growing, and maintain my confidence by sharing my experiences.
It allowed me to balance two important priorities: raising a young family and contributing to a field I truly love.
My role goes far beyond coordinating tasks. It is essentially managing a year-long project from inception to launch. It involves thoughtful planning, clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and consistent execution.
What makes it especially rewarding is the privilege of bringing people together, often strangers, and watching those connections grow into meaningful mentorship relationships and lasting friendships. It is a unique blend of project management and community building.
Volunteering has significantly enriched my professional life. It has helped me strengthen my public speaking skills and stay connected to the agile community, which contrasts with my day-to-day work in a more traditionally waterfall-driven environment.
This exposure challenges me to speak up in meetings, think differently, and apply agile principles where possible. It broadens my perspective and equips me to bring fresh ideas and greater value back to my organization.
The sense of community and camaraderie stands out the most. I enjoy learning from talented professionals, hearing their experiences, and exchanging ideas in an environment that values growth over competition.
What truly sets this community apart is the genuine support. People are eager to share proven ideas, recommend helpful resources, and make connections that help others move forward. That openness and generosity are incredibly motivating.
Start simple. Attend an event, experience the energy, and see what sparks your interest. Explore the different volunteer roles and find one that aligns with your passions. Do not hesitate to reach out, whether through the website or directly to volunteers like me. We are all here to connect and help. Volunteering is not about having all the answers. It is about showing up and being willing to learn.
Think of it as the ultimate low-risk project. No budget overruns, no angry stakeholders, and the only real deliverable is your own growth. Worst case, you make a few friends and learn some new project management jokes. Best case, you change your career trajectory.
