Martin Bertram

PMI-Germany Chapter VP Region Central

I am retired after having worked many years for the Commerzbank as a project manager. Now I am a board member of the PMI Germany Chapter

Ángel Nájera Pérez

Senior Project Manager Trainer & Consultant

PhD Doctor Ingeniería por la UA PMP PMI-RMP PRINCE2 & PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner & Official Trainer PM2 Advanced & Trainer Certified SDC SMC SPOC SCRUM Developer/Master/Product Owner Certified PfMP PMI Portfolio Management Professional P3O Portfolio/Programme/Project Management Office PMO CP -Project Management Officer: Certified Practitioner- ITIL4 Certified Auditor ISO 21.500

Himmet Karaman

Prof. Dr. at Istanbul Technical University

Professor at Istanbul Technical University, specializes in resilience, disaster management, and earthquake engineering. He directs ITU’s GIS Lab and advises on major urban projects. A prolific researcher with an h-index of 10, he has published 15 articles and supervises numerous graduate students, contributing significantly to disaster management and geomatics engineering.

Amany Nuseibeh

Director Optimal Consulting

FPMIA, MBT, PMP, Director of Optimal Consulting, excels as an Enterprise PMO consultant, delivering complex projects across diverse industries. She has significantly impacted organizations like Qantas Airways, BHP Billiton, and Vodafone. A PMI volunteer, she has held roles such as PMI Sydney Chapter President and earned the Fellow PMI Australia award. She also lectures and enjoys Sydney’s beaches.

Stuart Thorp

Climate Activist

Stuart has a Technology / Engineering background. His career progressed to manage Projects and then Programs for Global corporations across many sectors. Since Jan 2023, he has stepped out of full-time corporate activity to focus on mobilising Climate Action on a global scale. Stuart is a member of the Sustainability Summit 2023 organising committee.

Merv Wyeth

PMI UK Director of Technology

I am passionate about the design and delivery of high-value virtual and hybrid event experience, having led the UK Chapter digital transformation and two-times award-winning Digital Events team. I am Head of Benefits Management on UK government New Hospital Programme (NHP), a once in a generation opportunity to transform healthcare infrastructure delivery - building 40 new hospitals!

Nada Sayarh

A. Professor, Head of ESG Dubai

A. Professor, Head of ESG Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Sydney at SP Jain School of Global Management. She is the Former A. Dean of the EMBA. Nada Sayarh has 25 years of Strategy, marketing and project management experience working for global blue-chip companies (P&G, Colgate Palmolive, Shell, Consulting) with 15+ years of experience in Academia in Switzerland (Teaching, Research, Program Management, coaching, mentoring and corporate trainings). She is passionate about bridging academia and industry, to train responsible leaders that are ready for future jobs and AI revolution. Throughout her career she has led several global scale projects involving internal and external stakeholders coming from a diverse personal and professional background.

Deepa Bhide

Physician I Author I Project Management Professional I Healthful Cooking Enthusiast I Speaker

Healthcare domain expert, with over two decades experience of in consulting, training and operations; proficient in clinical medicine, project management (PM) and healthcare information technology (HIT). Strategic thinker, with capabilities in solution definition, problem-solving, team management and demonstrated success as a bridge between the medical fraternity and allied professional community. Expertise • Sound understanding of current and evolving healthcare (providers and payers and pharmaceuticals) with20 plus years of experience in clinical medicine with specialization in Pediatrics. • Worked as a domain expert and on consulting, pre-sales, support for launch, integration with other applications and allied activities • IT professional with knowledge, skill and experience in healthcare domain. Knowledge of IT processes application development, implementation and support projects involving IT applications. • Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from Project Management Institute (PMI), with an in depth understanding of PM application in varied areas, specifically healthcare- and IT-related projects • Trainer supporting internal organizational and client needs. Ten plus years of experience in training needs assessment, course conceptualization, learning strategy, roadmap development and training delivery plan. Trained the end users and support staff on medical devices

Louise Gardner

Managing Director at Pleadge Consulting

Louise Gardner is the Founder and Managing Director of Pledge Consulting, a boutique project management and PMO consulting firm based in Sydney, Australia. With a career spanning over two decades, Louise is a seasoned expert in project management, specialising in helping organisations navigate the complexities of project execution, PMO setup and implementation, project assurance, PMO assurance, and all things related to frameworks and methodologies. Under Louise's leadership, Pledge Consulting has become a trusted partner for large businesses and government agencies across the APAC region, looking to streamline their project management processes and achieve strategically aligned outcomes. The Pledge Consulting team's specialist approach and deep understanding of the broader project management landscape have enabled the business to deliver tailored solutions that drive efficiency and success for clients. Beyond leading Pledge Consulting, Louise is a sought-after international speaker and passionate educator. She has recently spoken at PMO-focused events in Australia, France, and Lithuania. Formerly an adjunct lecturer at the University of Sydney, Louise has most recently worked with the Pledge Consulting team to deliver a series of skills-based training programs and masterclasses aimed at building project management capability within the Australian PM and PMO community. Louise’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her clients are matched by her enthusiasm for fostering meaningful connections within the industry. Whether through consulting work, educational initiatives, or community-building efforts, Louise continues to shape the future of project management with innovation, expertise, and a client-focused approach.

Klao Bell-Lewis

Chartered Public Relations Professional. Project Management Professional. Member of the CIPR International Committee.

Klao Bell-Lewis is a communications professional with training and experience in project management, public relations, corporate communication, digital media, advertising and journalism. She has held senior management positions at Jamaican, regional and international organisations in the financial, telecommunication and mining sectors. She is at present the country coordinator for a programme focused on economic empowerment for women business owners. Klao believes all managers, regardless of their field, should receive project management training and also aim for PMP certification.

Tao Chun Liu

PMI-TW Director

Tao Chun Liu is a highly accomplished and experienced professional in the field of project management. With an impressive list of credentials, including PMP, AHPP, and DASSM, Tao has established himself as a sought-after speaker and authority in the industry. Having successfully completed numerous multimillion-dollar projects, Tao's expertise and track record are unparalleled. He has a wealth of experience as an Agile coach and Scrum Master, having led over 2000 sprints and facilitated the seamless implementation of Agile methodologies. With a keen interest in the intersection of technology and project management, Tao has been at the forefront of implementing AI projects for over six years. His deep understanding of AI technologies and their application in project management sets him apart from his peers. Moreover, Tao's involvement in digital transformation projects for an extensive period of time has honed his ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes and drive successful outcomes. Tao is passionate about the future of project management and believes in equipping project managers worldwide with the necessary knowledge to thrive in the evolving landscape of AI and project-driven economies. Through his engaging speaking engagements, Tao aims to share his valuable insights, methodologies, and strategies, empowering professionals to embrace and leverage the opportunities presented by the AIGC (Artificial Intelligence and Project Economy) era.

Joel Carboni

Sustainability Disruptor & Project Management Trailblazer | Founder and President at GPM

Dr. Carboni is recognized as the leading global authority on sustainable project management. His groundbreaking tools and methodologies have set the standard for green practices, leading to widespread adoption by corporations, organizations, and governments, seamlessly integrating sustainability into their project frameworks. A proud alumnus of Ball State University, Dr. Carboni earned a Ph.D. in Sustainable Development and Environment. With over 30 years of experience, his expertise spans various domains, including government, finance, consulting, manufacturing, and academia. This diverse background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges in sustainable project management. Dr. Carboni is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and symposiums on project management and sustainability. His impact is truly global, having made significant contributions in over 56 countries. His achievements have been recognized through various accolades, including his role as President Emeritus of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) in the U.S., his pivotal position on the Global Advisory Board, being a finalist for Forbes' inaugural 50 Global Business Climate Leaders list, and receiving the Change Management Institute's Sustainability Award. As the visionary founder of GPM® (Green Project Management), Dr. Carboni has extended his influence into academia, serving as a visiting professor at Skema Business School. His dedication to global sustainability is further demonstrated through his role as GPM’s representative to the United Nations Global Compact. He was a founding signatory of both the Business for Peace Initiative and the Anti-Corruption Call to Action, and he played a critical role in shaping the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs). Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Carboni is renowned for introducing the PRiSM™ project delivery methodology and the P5 Standard for Sustainability in Project Management. His educational modules on Green and Sustainable Project Management are taught in over 145 countries, in collaboration with professional training organizations, business consortiums, and leading universities. His thought leadership is further reflected in his seminal work, "Sustainable Project Management."

Reese Wong

Founder | Chief Community BuilderFounder | Chief Community Builder - Micromeetup

Reese Wong is an award-winning social entrepreneur, community-builder and public speaker. He is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and Curator at London II Hub. He is the Founder of ISSIA HK, a youth-led nonprofit that champions global citizenship education through peer-to-peer and project-based learning. Since 2019, ISSIA has involved 500+ volunteer staff, launching 30+ projects on the Sustainable Development Goals. The organization has been featured on 15+ platforms, including Nasdaq. More recently, Reese is the Chairman of the LSE Entrepreneurs Society and the Managing Director of London Strategic Consulting (LSC). As an international speaker, Reese has spoken at 70+ engagements to 4000+ attendees on education and social entrepreneurship. He has also been recognized as a Young Fellows Advisory Board Member at the Royal Society of Arts, Aspen UK Rising Leader, Future Minds 25 Under 25, Trustee at LSE's Student Union and Project Management Institute UK Scholar. Reese previously worked as a Communications Consultant for Ashoka, the world's leading community of social entrepreneurs. He was also a Community Manager at the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. He has experiences across the UK Cabinet Office, U.S. Department of State, Linklaters, McKinsey and more.

Aurio de la Cruz Salazar

MBA | Project Manager | Consultoría y Docencia | PMI Latam

Professional specialist in project management, supply chain, technology and social impact, with more than 12 years of professional experience in market-leading companies, leading interdisciplinary and multicultural teams, generating a positive impact for organizations. Currently Volunteer Social Impact Lead from PMI Latam, as he is interested in contributing to society through education and the management of social projects.

Erik Rueter

Founder, President, and ChairmanFounder, President, and Chairman of Human-Centered Success LLC

Erik K. Rueter, PMP, PMI-ACP, has over 20 years of experience in diverse industries, including tech startups, academia, healthcare, and entertainment. Currently, he is a senior project manager at the American Marketing Association. Erik holds a BA in neuroscience from Wesleyan University, with further education in digital design, Irish studies, and MicroMasters in Design Thinking and Project Management from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is also certified in diversity and inclusion by Cornell University. Erik's contributions to the field include co-authoring papers on health inequity, lecturing at Boston and Emerson Colleges, and advocating for diversity and inclusion with organizations like Medtronic, VSP, and the San Antonio Spurs. He has spoken, in person and virtually, at PMI Greece, PMI Michiana, and PMI Global Summit, among others. He has appeared on podcasts such as "Confessions of a Higher Education CMO" and "I Wanna Work There!" and contributed to the books “Mastering Solutions Delivery” and "The Evolution of the PMO," both key resources for project managers. He founded Human-Centered Success LLC to promote inclusive leadership. Residing outside Pittsburgh with his husband and two dachshunds, Erik enjoys marathons, gaming, and sharing his insights. Contact: [email protected].

Taras Feroduk

Technical Program Manager at Booking.com

As a seasoned program manager and leader with extensive experience across various IT domains, Taras drives conscious management to benefit teams and organizations. Over the past eleven years, Taras has worked on a diverse range of projects and products. Currently, he participates in the cloud adoption journey at Booking.com as a technical program manager, where he applies his unique experience in different environments and with different approaches to drive complex programs related to enabling the tech community to use the cloud frictionlessly. Taras is a passionate mentor and coach, with over 1,300 people having trained in his educational programs. He is an active member of PMI, currently serving as President at PMI Ukraine. For significantly impacting project management practices and setting industry standards, Taras received several accolades, including Best Professional in Project Management in Ukraine in 2019, PMI Rising Leader in 2022, and PMI Future50 in 2023.

Silke Deul

Principal Project Manager at Konzept

Silke is a Principal Project Manager leading a consultancy based in New Zealand. She holds a PMP certification from PMI and a Master’s in Civil Engineering from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. With over 15 years of global project management experience across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, Silke has a rich background in diverse and complex projects. Her international career began in the USA after high school, followed by civil engineering studies in Germany and Spain. Since then, she has managed a wide range of projects, including constructing a new tram line in Germany, an EPC Diesel Power Plant (200MW) in the French Caribbean, and a workshop in India to train women as masons. Her work has also involved delivering water projects in Kenya and Cameroon, a solar project in Ethiopia, and overseeing projects in turbocharger production in Germany and China. In New Zealand, she has focused on upgrading hydro power plants and water assets. Originally specializing in construction, Silke has broadened her expertise to include electrical and mechanical projects. She excels in guiding councils, energy providers, and factories through projects of all sizes and is dedicated to mentoring emerging project managers. Silke now resides on a lifestyle block near Hamilton, New Zealand, where she enjoys upcycling furniture, writing and publishing books, and growing 90% of her vegetables in her garden.

Mehdi Elguarni

Author, Project Manager at Assystem

I am a Project Manager and coauthor of the book "Rethinking Project Management for a Sustainable Future" (2024, AFNOR). With over 11 years of international experience, I have worked across various sectors, including construction, energy, heavy chemical industry, and digitalization. I have been part of several international major projects’ teams. I hold an Engineering degree in Mechanics from ENSAM (Morocco) and an Executive Master in Management of Energy Projects from École des Ponts ParisTech (France). My expertise is further solidified by numerous certifications, including PMP®, PRINCE2®, Scrum Product Owner, Agile Scrum Master, and ISO31000 Risk Manager. My dedication to excellence in project and risk management leads my career objectives. Currently, I am a Project Manager in the nuclear sector with ASSYSTEM EOS, where I oversee large-scale infrastructure processes for our clients, including a critical Reactor’s Cover Replacement project. My previous roles include managing large-scale maintenance shutdowns at OCP S.A. and metallic construction projects at Delattre Levivier Maroc. In addition to my professional achievements, I am an active contributor to the Project Management community. I am a volunteer member of PMI France and a contributor to PMI Belgium and PMI Lévis-Québec. And, as an ambassador for GPM Global, I am committed to advancing sustainable project management practices worldwide. I am also the founder of OWLIRIS, a training platform where my team and I educate professionals on PMP, CAPM, SMAC, SPOAC, and ISO31000 certifications. I have also taught project management at the University of Paris-Saclay, sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation of professionals.

Lela Machaidze

Program Manager | Speaker | Consultant | Coach | Thought Leader

Lela Machaidze is an International Consultant graduate of MIT and Oxford executive AI programs, certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI-ACP, and Business Relationship Management Professional (BRMP). She's initiator PMI's Tbilisi Chapter, having served as its first President. With expertise in AI framework, program management, and adaptability coach, she's successfully led diverse transformation project in public and private sectors. An impactful speaker and coach, Lela engages with mid to executive-level audiences, offering transformative insights. Beyond consultation, she's a strategic ally in capacity building, digital transformation, and creating lasting value.

Stuart Easton

CEO and Founder of TransparentChoice

Stuart Easton is the CEO and co-founder of TransparentChoice, Stuart is also a speaker and blogger on all things Project Prioritization and Portfolio Governance. He is a guest lecturer at Oxford University and USC. He helps PMOs deliver strategic value and improve project success rates through his Master Classes.  TransparentChoice software helps PMO leaders and executives at top-tier organizations like the US House of Representatives, Suzano and McCormick make high impact decisions faster using decision science techniques, a trend that can only accelerate as we harness the power of AI to help improve strategy execution and project portfolio governance.

Clara Magalhaes Martins

Founder of The Robin Hood Project

Clara Magalhaes is a seasoned humanitarian and legal professional with over a decade of experience in navigating complex and high-stakes environments. Currently serving as the Founder and Legal Director of BRAVA - Brazilian Volunteering Aid, Clara has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts in some of the most challenging conflict zones in the world. Her work in Ukraine, where she has spent more than two years on the ground, has earned her recognition at both national and international levels, including the 'Ambassador of Peace' Medal by AIEB and the 'Cooperation and Patriotism' Medal by the Omega Battalion of Ukraine’s Special Forces. Clara’s expertise lies in developing and implementing resilient strategies for safety, security, and compliance, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those most in need despite the chaos of war. In addition to her humanitarian work, Clara represents the Chamber of Commerce Brazil Ukraine, creating business and investment opportunities between the two countries. Her efforts have also been recognized by the Brazilian Senate for her contributions to volunteering and aid efforts in Ukraine. Clara is passionate about empowering local communities, fostering resilience, and using her project management skills to make a tangible difference in the world. Her insights and real-life experiences in Ukraine will offer invaluable lessons for those looking to contribute to global resilience and crisis management.

Ida Beal Harding

Director of Volunteer Management for Wells Bring Hope

Ida B. Harding is a BOD Member and Director of Volunteer Management for Wells Bring Hope, an organization which drills wells in Niger, West Africa. A retired PMP, Ida is a graduate of the PMI Leadership Master Class and has presented at several PMI Leadership Meetings. She has been an active PMI member at global levels as well as the chapter level since she joined PMI in 1993. At the global PMI level, she served on the BOD for the Education Foundation. She also served on numerous PMI committees, including PMI BOD Nominations Committee, Professional Awards Member Advisory Group, Component Services Member Advisory Group, the Project of the Year selection team, and BOD of Association for Chapter Presidents (ACP), among others. During her term on the ACP, Ida headed the Component Mentor Program and coordinated the 15 mentors across the globe for several years. Since 2011, she has served on the every year on the planning committee for the SPA for the Mind, an annual meeting of graduates of the Leadership Institute program. At a local level Ida has been an active PMI- LA Chapter member, serving twice as President, and won the “PMI Chapter President of the Year” award for both terms. Before and after her presidency, Ida served in virtually every other chapter BOD role. She served as Trustee 2001 – 2019, and again in 2024. Ida can be contacted at [email protected]. The website for her organization is www.wellsbringhope.org.

Ian Davies

Speaker, Coach, Consultant

Ian Davies is a business and personal coach, consultant to start-up companies and motivational speaker. He spent 30 years working in the Global eye care business, joining Johnson and Johnson Vision Care when it was an innovative disruptor to the contact lens business and contributing at Board level positions to its growth as a $3bn market leader. He worked across multiple functions and geographies during this time, managing teams from across the globe. Ian was a core member of the European Board’s crisis management team and established the regional compliance function across the region. Having trained in process excellence, he led the development of 5 unique health care professional training centres across Europe and The Middle East. Ian went on to manage a team of 200 professionals, a multi-million-dollar budget and a dozen training facilities across the Globe. he retired from J&J as Vice President of Professional Education and Development in 2018 and established his own consulting business, IansEyes Ltd. Over the past 6 years he has used his experience to support entrepreneurial start-ups, professional organisations and multi-nationals on process re-engineering, strategic planning and communications. He has spoken at conferences, sales meetings and university graduation ceremonies and coaches a wide range of professionals at all stages of their careers. His core focus is on development and sustainable personal and business growth.

Peter Monkhouse

Co-Founder and Book Author at NewGenP

Peter Monkhouse has actively led projects and project managers in the areas of education, consulting, engineering, information technology, health, and organizational change for multinational organizations. Peter teaches project management courses at the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Procept Associates. For over 25 years, Peter has volunteered with PMI, including serving on the PMI Board of Directors and Chair of the 2012 PMI Board, the PMI Educational Foundation Board of Directors and Chair of the 2018 PMIEF Board and the Project Managers Without Boarders Board of Directors. In 2021, Peter was named a PMI Fellow.

Deanna Landers

Founder, Project Managers Without Borders (PMWB)

Deanna Landers is the Founder and Chairman of Project Managers Without Borders, now part of PMI. She is a PMI Fellow and served on the boards of IEEE Smart Village and the PMI international board of PMI, leading as Chair in 2013. Professionally she led many PMOs, portfolios, programs, and projects.

April Michele

Executive Director at Future Problem Solving

As the Executive Director of Future Problem Solving, I am honored to lead a non-profit offering problem-solving on real world issues through creative and critical thinking skills for young leaders. My journey, enriched by mentoring and staff development, is marked by a commitment to nurturing a future-ready mindset. Before joining Future Problem Solving, I taught elementary and middle grades, focusing primarily on gifted education. My leadership style has been influenced by my certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute and Nonprofit Management from the Edyth Bush Institute at Rollins College.

Asthir Abinader

PMWB Volunteer

Asthir Abinader has dedicated her life to volunteer work, from beach cleanups, tree planting and being part of a board in the Dominican Republic to coordinating food donations and serving on two nonprofits in Southern California. Asthir’s work includes grant evaluations, strategic planning, and developing various telecommunications services for a multinational company. Professionally, Asthir has led cross-functional projects, supervised IT divisions, and achieved international certifications. Currently, Asthir manages a nonprofit's small business acceleration program, leveraging her experience in project management, operations, and strategic planning.

Kamila Chmielecka

PMWB Volunteer

IT | Project Manager | CAPM | PMI PC | NGO | Business Informatics 👩🏽‍🎓| Agile | Scrum

Mateusz Łachacz

PMWB Volunteer

Leader of Administration and Procurement Teams at the DKMS Foundation and a Project Manager by passion. Since 2020, I've been actively volunteering with PMI Poland Chapter, serving as a Board Member for NGOs from 2024. I specialize in building self-organizing teams and creating a supportive work environment, with a focus on agile methodologies, particularly Management 3.0. I value honesty and personal growth. Outside of work, I'm passionate about indoor plant cultivation and heavy rock music. My professional and volunteer activities reflect my commitment to supporting and developing others.

Sam Baker

climate change communicator, activist

Putting c. 30 years consulting experience to use helping the system and, specifically business, transition to a low carbon, more sustainable future. Key areas of competence include coalition building, initiative/ campaign origination and development, system thinking, corporate purpose and strategy, business model design, innovation, ESG and impact reporting, education

Christopher Abraham

MSW | MBA | DLL | PHD | CEO | Global Keynote Speaker | TEDx Speaker | Mentor | Board Member | Knight | Professor

Dr. Chris is currently the CEO & Head - Dubai campus and Director – Executive Education. He is a globally recognized thought reader in the areas of Innovation, Design Thinking, Behavioural Design, Neuroscience of Decision Making, Future of Education, Science of Happiness, Leadership, Human Potential HRM, Entrepreneurship, ESG, Marketing &Strategy. He started his career spanning 37 years as a strategy consultant and has worked on exciting projects including Titan Watches, Moods Condoms, National Family Welfare Program and assignment with The Governments of India, Singapore, UAE, Nigeria, and Kenya. His global clients include The World Bank, The Executive Council (Govt. of Dubai), Emirates Airlines, SEWA (Government of Sharjah), Aramex, DHL, P &G, LG, Reckitt & Benkiser, AW Rostamani (Nissan Auto), Landmark Group, Norgold Russia & others. Dr. Chris is a globally 3 times TEDx and international keynote speaker. He has successfully presented in numerous global forums and has also conducted many consulting and executive development assignments for global organizations. He has been recognized with numerous international awards including twice Awarded “Best CEO in the World” in 2018 & 2019, by Indo – UAE Business & Social Forum, twice winner of Academic Leadership Award. He holds numerous board adviserships as Honorary Fellow – Leaders Excellence at Harvard Square, US, Advisor – RTA Innovation Lab, Government of Dubai, Global Advisory Board Member - World CMO Council, USMember of the Board – The Abrahamic Business Circle, Advisory Board Member – CEO Clubs Worldwide Senior Advisory Board Member –WASME World Association of SMEs(An UNESCOInitiative), Senior Advisory Board Member – World Sustainable Business Forum, UK, Director – Rekhi - S P Jain Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness, Member of the Governing Board – Gulf Marketing Association, Executive Board Member – CIVITAS DEI Institute of History and Archaeology ofJerusalem, Israel, Member of the Board – Joblio, US. Member of the Academic Board – World Masters Academy, Italy, Member of the Advisory Board – Economic Times HR World (ETHRWorld), Member of the CII-Elite Group (SCM) – Confederation of Indian Industry – CII, Advisory Board Member – Humanistic Management Network, Advisory Board Member – University of Central Paris, Mentor – S P Jain Center of Excellence for Sustainability. Conferred as the Knight of Parte Guelfa, Italy for Ecology, Sustainability & Environment. He’s a regular columnist and writer in leading media and newspaper like Gulf News, Khaleej Times, including The National, Times of India, Economic Times, The Hindu, Mumbai Mirror, regularly interviewed in leading TV & Media Channelslike CNBC, Dubai Eye, Dubai TV, etc. Dr. Chris was also an adjunct professor at many leading universities in Australia, USA, Canada, Singapore, and UK. Earlier in Dubai, he headed the Executive MBA Program of XLRI, Jamshedpur, one of Asia’s top business schools

Charlie Lea

Head of Partnerships & Engagement at Enactus

Charlie is Head of Partnerships & Engagement at Enactus UK & Ireland, a leading youth social action charity. With years of experience of project based learning and youth social action in both secondary and higher education, Charlie is passionate about bringing business, academia and young people together to make sustainable positive impact on communities all around the world.

Lysan Drabon

PMI Regional Managing Director, Europe

Lysan Drabon is the Managing Director for PMI’s Europe region and responsible for regional strategy design and execution aiming to scale the impact of PMI in the region through enablement and engagement of the entire PMI ecosystem (“flywheel”). Coming from a finance, business management and economics background and degree, Lysan has been working in the public banking sector (German National Central Bank) for several years, before taking a sabbatical year in 2007 to travel the world with a global education, volunteering and art performing program (Up with People); having lived in more than 30 host families and respective cultures around the world kickstarted the “global citizenship” Lysan is proud of and values till today. Moving into the Association Management and Consulting world (MCI) afterwards enabled Lysan to utilize her global view, international experiences, and valuation of volunteer work, social impact and diversity as she worked to grow multiple international associations in the years to follow.

Ike Nwankwo

Board of Directors PMI

Ike Nwankwo, MSc, MBA, PMP, has served on the Board of Directors of Project Management Institute since 2021. He is a long-time PMI volunteer and past president of the PMI Chapter in Nigeria and past PMI Region Mentor for Africa. He is the Chair of PMI’s Governance Committee. Nwankwo is the managing director of District Management, Ltd, an independent project management consultancy focusing on information technology, construction, and business transformation. Throughout his more than 25-year career, he has managed portfolios and led the delivery of multi-million-dollar projects and programs across multiple sectors, for a diverse range of multinational organizations across the United Kingdom and Africa. He is a motivated professional speaker, and he has co-authored a book on global leadership, entitled “Developing Global Leaders: Insights from African Case Studies.”

Mike Palladino

Director, Enterprise Agility Bristol Myers Squibb

Agile and Program Management professional with broad experience across several industries. International speaker, in over 20 countries - Agile - High performing teams - Approaching work differently to have better outcomes with less time Specialties: - Agile/Scrum CSM certification - PMP certification - Six Sigma Green Belt - Hands-on international project management experience. - Author of several articles. - International speaker including 2 PMI leadership conferences. - Authored and taught several project management-related classes

Bryan Fenech

Live clean and let your works be seen

Speaks with grudging zeal about #ManagementEthics, #Governance, and #OrganisationalChange. Speaks with passion about #travel, #adventure and #spaceflight. 30 years experience designing, leading, quality assuring and rescuing business transformation programs, with a specialism in project portfolio management. 12 years experience lecturing in project portfolio management, including supervising Masters student research at the University of Technology, Sydney Author of ‘Project Portfolio Management Essentials - A Guidebook’. Creator of Course ‘Project Portfolio Management Essentials’. Owner of PPM Intelligence ® - www.ppmintelligence.com. Owner of Spacefarer Publications. Owner of Travel Titbits.

Queen Amina Biobaku

Country Manager, DKT International

‘Dr. Queen Amina Biobaku, Country Manager at DKT International Uganda, brings over 12 years of experience in healthcare, NGOs, and social marketing. Aligning with PM4theWorld's mission to promote resilience and sustainable solutions, she has led dynamic teams that have significantly increased access to sexual and reproductive health products and services. Her leadership has fostered collaborations between the private and public sectors, exemplifying how effective project management can drive impactful healthcare outcomes, furthering global development and resilience, particularly in vulnerable communities across Africa.’

Sheena Downey

Resilience, Innovation, Optimisation and Transformation (RIOT) Consultant

Business Continuity Management Specialist I’m Sheena Downey, CEO and Founder of Worldwide Resilience, and Author of Ensuring Business Resilience, A beginner's guide As a Management Consultancy, I’ve been specialising in Business Continuity for over 20 years, delivering tailored solutions that “Prepare Today to Protect Tomorrow” so my clients survive and thrive when the stuff hits the fan. I’m passionate about both business and personal continuity. An optimistic pessimist (or pessimistic optimist), I believe in “hope for the best but prepare for the worst”. I believe every business needs to protect itself against disruptions that could threaten its survival, and that every person has the right to a prepared and protected future. I’ve always had an adventurous spirit (was part of the RAF Mobile Bomb Scoring Team, cuddled a tiger, voluntarily jumped out of a serviceable aircraft and abseiled down a 36-storey building), but it wasn’t until I discovered the world of business continuity and transformation management that I realised I also thrive professionally in complex, fast-paced and ever evolving environments. Using a combination of P3 Management, change management, and strategic and operational analysis to identify and understand landscapes, problems, opportunities and solutions, enables us to successfully deliver the right solutions, the right way, at the right time, and for the right reasons, to achieve the right outputs, outcomes, and benefits. I work with organisations from NfPs to heavy goods, health, and resources to help them achieve peace of mind, clarity, and confidence in their resilience solutions.

Esther Gordon-Smith

Benefits Manager at National Highways

I currently work for National Highways as part of the Complex Infrastructure Programme, as A303 Stonehenge Benefits Lead. Chartered May 2016 (Institution of Civil Engineers) Having taken part in the Clipper Sailing Race in 2016, I spent six months undertaking Officer training with the Royal Navy until February 2017, demonstrating decision-making, resourcefulness, teamwork, performing under pressure and leadership. I joined Hannah, Reed & Associates, which has since become Peter Brett Associates, in 2010 as my first engineering job on leaving university. During the years since graduating, I have developed a diverse skill set, which enables me to tackle multi-disciplinary projects with a holistic approach to identify potential obstacles, efficiently find integrated solutions, and create opportunities for improvement. My principal skills include flood risk assessments, highways design, drainage design including SuDS and project management. Over the course of my career, I have also gained experience in contract management, land contamination, transport planning and minor structural engineering. In particular, I have been a key contributor in teams delivering civil engineering consultancy services from outline planning stage, though detailed design and to construction, for schemes varying from single dwellings to over 2500 houses. I am also passionate about stakeholder and public liaison, and promoting STEM opportunities to students and school children. I think it's very important to deliver social change, whether it be through providing housing, upgrading a traffic hotspot or sorting a flooding problem, but that it is also very important to be able to effectively communicate what we're doing and why to the local community.

Hanny Alshazly

PMI Managing Director for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region

As the PMI Managing Director for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Hanny is responsible for leading the regional strategy and growth. His experience in aligning operations with global educational objectives and engaging with top-tier educational and government leaders ensures driving high-value initiatives and building strong relationships within PMI and across the region. Hanny brings over 25 years of extensive global experience in the Higher Education and eLearning industry, where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in strategy development and driving transformative growth and innovation across various international markets. Hanny is also a certified life coach, reflecting his dedication to personal and professional development. This, combined with his track record of leadership and innovation, makes him a perfect fit to lead our efforts in the MENA region.

Olivier Lazar

Vice President, Community & Social Impact

As the Vice President of Community & Social Impact at Project Management Institute (PMI), Olivier Lazar spearheads PMI’s mission to equip individuals and organizations with essential project management skills and community connection to drive meaningful social impact. His dedicated global team oversees various initiatives supporting PMI's social impact, academic, and global chapter programs, including the PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF) and Project Managers Without Borders (PMWB), for which he serves as their Chief Operating Officer. Before assuming his current role at PMI in 2020, Olivier spent more than two decades providing leadership to organizations to drive transformational change through strategic operations oversight, business planning, corporate vision alliance, and project excellence. Committed to giving back, Olivier has held various volunteer leadership roles, notably serving as Chapter President of PMI’s Switzerland Chapter. He sits on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement Europe, embodying his dedication to empowering future leaders and fostering community engagement. Olivier is a seasoned speaker and thought leader with years of motivational, strategic, and leadership speaking experience. His insights have been widely recognized and published, cementing his reputation as a trusted authority in project management. Olivier holds a Master of Science in Project and Program Management and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the esteemed SKEMA Business School in France.

Linda McIntosh

Principal Program MGR, Cloud Solutions, Microsoft Worldwide IPS

Currently, working as the Principal Migration Program Manager for multi $B oil and gas customers migrating their technology ecosystem (multiple products) to the Azure cloud and integrating Gen AI into their every day business environment. In the past I have held various positions as a PMO Director, Portfolio Manager, Program Manager, and Project Manager, in multiple size industries (retail, finance, DOD, voice, managed services, education, utilities, insurance, and technology companies), some ranging from fortune 1 to fortune 500. Negotiated various types of contractual agreements with numerous vendors both nationally and globally (EMEA, APJ, Americas). Management of budgets ranging from thousands to $B’s some affecting as many as 2.3M employees to billions of global customers.

Heather Astbury

Regional Communications Lead PMI Europe

Experienced international strategic public relations and corporate communications professional with experience in the international aviation, online retail, hospitality, FS, food & drink, professional services, outsourcing/offshoring industries. Skilled in crisis and issues management, CSR, marketing communications, research, crisis communications, digital and social media, event management, public affairs, speechwriting, spokesperson training and development, internal communications, executive communications and media relations. Former news journalist with a post-grad NCTJ certificate from Napier University, a CIPR Diploma in PR from Queen Margaret University College and an MA (Hons) in Modern History from the University of St. Andrews.

Anjana Wijegunasinghe

Leading Data Audits for Smarter Risk Insights -Group Internal Audit at DP World

With over 24 years of extensive experience in internal audit, risk management, and governance, Anjana is a seasoned professional who currently serves as the driving force behind the digital transformation of Internal Audit at DP World-UAE. Her expertise lies in innovation, intrapreneurship, and team building within the realm of internal audit, where she has successfully established forward-thinking ventures aimed at enhancing risk insights and audit processes using data and digital tools and technologies. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2006 and holds an MBA from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, complemented by numerous certifications in audit and risk domains. She is passionately dedicated to revolutionizing audit practices by leveraging digital tools and technologies, concurrently focusing on empowering her team of auditors with future-proof skills through upskilling and re-skilling initiatives. In addition to her role in audit, she serves as the global program lead for Tech4Women, a pioneering global initiative. This initiative strives to offer a comprehensive platform to empower women across DP World, enabling them to enhance their technical skills for career advancement and job enrichment. Anjana's commitment to driving smarter audits and fostering women's empowerment through technology showcases her dedication to innovation, leadership, and professional development. She also leads the ‘Tech4Women’ global initiative, empowering women at DP World to develop technical skills for career growth, reflecting her commitment to innovation, leadership, and women's empowerment.

Ulilia Chamisa

Programmes Coordinator and also the Education focal point person for CARE in Zimbabwe

Ulilia Chamisa_Magombedze is the Programmes Coordinator and also the Education focal point person for CARE in Zimbabwe. In the National Education space, she networks with other policy makers, academics and researchers and development practitioners sharing tried and tested models, best practices to ensure education cannot wait and support education across the board even in emergencies in the face of disasters, pandemics and protracted crisis. Her passion is to see girls breaking barriers that act as obstacles to their education and see women and girls achieving their life goals and aspirations and contribute to their increased agency. Ulilia has been driving initiatives in the education sector for the past 7 years focusing on Education, Gender and skills development and economic empowerment in support of girls education in fragile and vulnerable rural communities in Zimbabwe. She is a team leader and team builder, outcome and self-driven, flexible and highly committed humanitarian and development practitioner who has 15 solid years of experience working for International NGOs supporting vulnerable communities. She holds a Bsc Honors in Geography and Environmental studies, a Msc in Development Studies and MCom in Strategic Management.