Black Women in Project Management: Insights from the Experience Summit
The Women Of Project Management Experience Summit was nothing short of amazing, bringing together the most inspiring and influential Black women in project management. These trailblazers shared their journeys, challenges, and wins, lighting a fire of motivation and empowerment in everyone attending.
But not only that, the one and only Edi Hayes and Ordonna Sargeant got down to business with their on-the-spot resume makeovers. Attendees walked in with bland, cookie-cutter resumes and walked out knowing how to craft standout, eye-catching documents that screamed, "Hire me now!".
It was really the most incredible two days where Black and Brown women from all over the world came together to love on and support one another in their missions to level up in their profession.
As Asya Watkins, Founder of Women of Project Management joined the group on Day One, we were all instantly reminded of how important this community is and how deeply we could relate to her reasons for wanting to create this space.
Asya Watkins, Founder, Women of Project Management
If you’re a woman looking for support in your career, joining this community can truly elevate your professional journey. Not only will you gain access to a network of like-minded professionals who understand your path, but you'll also benefit from exclusive resources, expert advice, and unparalleled mentorship opportunities.
Picture having a supportive network that celebrates your successes, helps you tackle challenges, and provides invaluable insights to propel your career forward. Click here to join the membership today. You can also follow WOPM on Instagram to join in on the fun.
In Power vs. Empowered
Dr. Ayanna Abrams kicked us off with a much needed therapy session and set the tone for what was to come. Moderated by Asya Watkins- Dr. Abrams, Ayanna Cross and Edi Hayes discussed the differences between being in power and being empowered.
Since “Standing in Your Power” was the theme, it was only right to start here. Dr. Abrams explained how being in power was external while being empowered was internal. Having power is like having a special badge or title given to you by someone else, like a manager. It’s based on what others think of you and can be taken away just as quickly as it’s given.
Empowered, on the other hand, is all about how you feel about yourself and your abilities. When you’re empowered, you believe in yourself and know you can handle whatever comes your way, no matter what others say or do. It’s built on your self-confidence and inner strength. No one can take that away from you because it’s rooted in your own mindset and attitude.
Black women in Project Management Success
Women of Project Management Members, The Experience Summit
One of the standout panels featured amazing stories of Black women in project management who started from scratch and accomplished their goals.
One inspiring story came from a former educator Shiva Walker who, after joining the membership, obtained her PMP certification, collaborated with experts in the group, and landed her first project management role.
She initially had no documented project management experience, but during this panel she shared the exact steps she took to break into the profession. Although she never had the title, she definitely had the skills and built up the confidence to get the role she wanted.
The panel was packed with invaluable information, including the several gems that were dropped from Megan Young Gamble and Melissa Thomas, who shared their journeys to success. A common thread of the day was “Do it Scared”. You have to be willing to put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to fail.
Their advice on navigating career transitions and leveraging the power of community support was pure gold.
Join.
Join the full discussion inside the Women Of Project Management Membership. Listen to part of our conversation on the Women Of Project Management Podcast.
If you're new to our community, Women Of Project Management is the only community created to support & amplify the voices of women & women of color in every specialty of the project management industry worldwide. We support women in every stage of their career, learn more at Women Of Project Management.
By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae
