A Message From the President: Hello PMI MN Members As we look forward to spring and the fresh breath of spring unfurls around us, we are reminded of the beauty of new beginnings and the boundless potential Spring brings us. With this spirit of renewal, PMI MN Leadership reaches out to you, our valued and appreciated members, to join us in celebrating the essence of spring by volunteering with the PMI MN Chapter. This season, we invite you to embark on a personal and collective transformation journey through volunteerism. Please visit our website at www.pmi-mn.org to sign up and volunteer. Volunteering has many benefits, including personal growth, community engagement, impactful contributions, and networking opportunities. Spring is not only a time of blooming flowers; it also serves as a reminder of the opportunities for growth and change surrounding us. As we honor Women’s History Month this March, let us use this opportunity to reflect on the remarkable contributions of women throughout history who have paved the way for progress and equality. PMI MN Chapter recognizes the invaluable role that women have played in shaping our society. Let us ask ourselves how we can support women to ensure the equality of pay, opportunity, and respect they deserve for their efforts and contributions. Having allies in a position to effect change in this arena would lighten the burden of the work that still needs to be done. Think of the impact this has on the lives of those we love: our mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters. Together, we can effect meaningful change if we all do our part. We are reminded of the fun celebrations and activities as Spring approaches. Easter of course, let’s not forget St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day is not just a time to don green attire and indulge in shamrock-themed treats; it is also a celebration of community, camaraderie, and the luck of the Irish. With your help, we would love to support those less fortunate in our community through our Hours for Impact initiative. We are asking for donations of men’s inner white tees (comes in a pack of 4 or 5) in sizes small and medium to support our local homeless shelter in March and early April. Please watch for communication on where you may drop off your donations if you are interested in participating. Thank you in advance for your support. 2024 is an exciting year for the chapter, we are thrilled to announce that PMI Minnesota is now accepting new sponsors and signing contracts for the upcoming year! Why Partner with PMI MN? - Industry Influence: PMI Minnesota stands at the forefront of project management excellence, providing networking and collaboration opportunities.
- Diverse Audience: Benefit from reaching a diverse audience of project managers, leaders, and professionals across various industries.
- Exclusive Events: Be part of our signature events, conferences, certification programs, garnering visibility among industry leaders and decision-makers.
If you're ready to take the next step or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to administrator@pmi-mn.org Finally, as you know, we turned 40 this year, and to celebrate, the PMI MN Chapter has invited its volunteers and members for a token fee to join us at its Annual Volunteer Gala. If you have not registered, please visit our website to register at www.pmi-mn.org. We have planned an exciting performance to entertain you at the event on May 4, 2024, at The Union Depot in St. Paul.
In Gratitude,
Geraldine Marks, MBA, PMP®, CSM® CSPO® PMI MN President, CEO
Volunteer of the Month: Matthew J Olsen
The PMI MN Chapter is honored to present Matthew Olsen as our March 2024 Volunteer of the Month.
With over 14 years of membership, Matthew's journey with PMI-MN began shortly after earning his PMP certification in 2010. Currently serving as a Project Management Supervisor at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Matthew brings a wealth of experience and a passion for coaching his team and fellow project managers to excel in the profession.
A retired United States Army Reserve veteran with an impressive 22 years of service, Matthew culminated his military career as the senior non-commissioned officer in charge of a Threat and Vulnerability Assessment team. His commitment to service extends beyond his professional life, embodying the spirit of leadership and dedication.
Last year, Matthew entered a new chapter of life, marrying a wonderful woman. Together, they are a blended family with four adult children, two rescue Great Danes, and a couple of feline companions. Matthew's heart extends to the animal kingdom as he has spent numerous years volunteering and serving on the board for the Upper Midwest Great Dane Rescue. His accidental entry into working with rescue Danes has blossomed into a beloved and impactful effort, showcasing his caring nature and commitment to making a difference.
Matthew's calling for service is evident in both his professional and personal life. Having worked for the State and served in the military, he has embraced the opportunity to contribute to something larger than himself. As an IT professional, witnessing ideas transform into legislation and practical applications that benefit the citizens of the State has become a driving force in his work. Matthew's innate ability to inspire and instill this drive into his team reflects his unwavering commitment to helping others grow and become the best versions of themselves.
In recent times, Matthew gracefully accepted changes and additional responsibilities as the Chair of the PMI-MN Outreach Committee. With a smile on his face, he is uniting his team and bringing a fresh perspective to their vital work. Matthew's grace under pressure and leadership shine brightly, making him an invaluable asset to the PMI-MN community.
Join us in celebrating Matthew J Olsen, a true embodiment of service, leadership, and compassion! Thank you, Matthew, for making a profound impact on PMI-MN and beyond. 🎉👏
- Cindy Ward, Vice Chair for Volunteer Services Thank you, Matthew , for all that you have done for PMI MN !!!
Board Member Spotlight: Matt Mehring
This month, we spotlight our Past President/ Director of Governance Matt Mehring.
Matt Mehring has been a PMI and PMI MN member since 1998. His current Chapter Role(s) are Past President, Director of Governance, Board Liaison for PMI-MN IT Committee, and 40th Anniversary committee.
Matt's past Chapter Role(s) are Director of Governance, Past President, President, President Elect, Director at Large, Partner Program and Community Outreach Chair, IT Team Project Manager, Membership Project Manager, and Volunteer Services team member. Matt has been awarded PMI-MN: Volunteer Strategy Team Award in 2015, Colleague Award in 2010 and W. Bruce Sandison President Award in 2006.
Matt is currently a Manager for the Non-Functional Testing team for FRFS for Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He has over 44 years of professional work experience, 26+ years of project management, 14 years professional experience in the Financial Industry and 25 years professional experience in the Medical Management Industry.
Matt currently enjoys cycling on trails in Minnesota, riding his Wahoo bike trainer, cycling tours in the USA and abroad.
Thank you Matt for all your contribution and hard work for PMI MN!
Registration is FREE, so be sure to register today and join us in celebrating women in #projectmanagement along with some amazing panelists, including: Geraldine Marks MBA, PMP, CSPO, CSM, CPPM, 6 Sigma Roopa Chandrasekaran Karen Fomafung Sara R. Swanson, CB-PMO, PMP, PMI-ACP, CSM
Dear PMI-MN Members and Volunteers,
As the vibrant colors of spring begin to blossom, we are thrilled to announce our upcoming initiative that aims to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. In the spirit of giving back to our community, we are launching a Product Donation Drive for the spring of 2024.
The goal of this drive is to collect essential products that will benefit individuals and families who may be facing challenges in accessing these necessities. Your generous contributions can make a significant difference in promoting health, well-being, and dignity for those who are less fortunate. Our goal is to have all donations dropped off by April 19, so we can package everything on April 20, and present everything to the homeless shelter(s) the week of April 21.
Here's how you can get involved:
1. Donate Products: Please donate products, including but not limited to: - Men T-Shirts (size S and M)
- Men’s underwear (Size S and M)
- Women’s T-Shirts (Size S and M)
- Women’s underwear (Size S and M)
- Feminine Hygiene products (Different sizes)
- Kids underwear
- Kids clothes
- Diapers and wipes
- Kids shoes
2. Spread the Word: Help us amplify the impact of this drive by sharing our message with your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage them to join us in supporting this worthy cause.
3. Volunteer: We also welcome volunteers to assist in sorting and organizing donated items. We will be sorting and packing all donated items on April 20th.
Drop-off Locations: - Trimax Secure Office (900 Long Lake Rd, Ste 101, New Brighton) between 9am - 3:30 pm on March 9
- 13050 Garrett Lane Apple valley, MN 55124
- PMI-MN Dinner on March 20th between 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Brookview Golden Valley 16 Brookview Pkwy S Golden Valley)
Let's come together as a community and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Your kindness and generosity will bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts this spring.
Thank you for being a crucial part of our mission to create a brighter and healthier future for everyone.
PMI ® Global Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion PMI, as a global organization, has established a position about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This statement is posted on the PMI website:
As a global leader enabling individuals to create a positive impact through projects, PMI champions a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community – one that serves our millions of stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, members, credential holders, and the profession at large. We embrace and celebrate our differences, and work to create an environment of respect, trust, integrity and fairness in our words and actions. We commit ourselves to empower individuals to do their best work. We aspire to act as a catalyst to bridge cultures, geographies, and differences, and to enable people and organizations to positively impact society.
| 
