Share out in the comments below:
-Your name and your current role
-What did you want to be when you were growing up?
-What are your favorite project management tools and technologies? Or ones that you’d like to learn more about?
-What drew you to the project management industry? What's kept you in it?
-What's your proudest accomplishment (personal or professional)?
Looking forward to connecting with you all and hearing your stories! Saving Changes...
Chuchu SelmaExecutive| WaterAidJacksonville, FL, United States
My name is Chuchu Selma, and I currently serve as the Country Director for WaterAid in Liberia, West Africa. WaterAid is a global charity working in 33 countries to ensure that poor and marginalized people, particularly across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, have access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene.
WaterAid operates as a global federation with member countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, Australia, Japan, and India.
Growing up in Liberia, one of the world’s poorest countries, I experienced firsthand the true meaning of deprivation and destitution. Poverty was an everyday reality of my childhood. From those early years, I dreamed of a better and fairer world—one where everyone is included, and where equity and justice guide global governance and leadership. I also lived through fourteen years of brutal civil war, which makes my survival and education nothing short of a miracle. Those experiences shaped my conviction and drive: I will not rest until I have contributed meaningfully to realizing that dream of a just and peaceful world where all people can thrive.
I have worked with WaterAid for over 13 of my 20 years in the not-for-profit and international development sector, serving in different roles across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria. Over the years, I have managed programs and projects that deliver water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as initiatives focused on food security, livelihoods, health, and education. My work has involved building infrastructure, strengthening systems and policies, enhancing governance and institutional capacity, providing training and technical support, and leading advocacy and service delivery efforts.
It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve alongside other leaders of WaterAid—through the West Africa Leadership Team, the Global Power and Diversity Steering Group, and the Global Executive, which includes Chief Executives and Thematic Leads from the eight member countries of the WaterAid Federation. Through these engagements, I have contributed to driving organizational growth and transformation, and to addressing developmental, humanitarian, and environmental challenges related to water, sanitation, hygiene, public health, climate change, gender, and education.
I am particularly passionate about organizational leadership, strategic planning, and quality project management—ensuring that every effort adds real value, delivers sustainable outcomes, and achieves lasting impact for the people and communities we serve.
...
1 reply by Laura Schofield
Oct 16, 2025 9:34 AM
Laura Schofield
...
Hi Chuchu Selma, welcome to PMI's online community!
Thank you for sharing with us; it's great to learn more about you and your work.
Community Specialist| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, PA, United States
Oct 16, 2025 4:02 AM
Replying to Teo Stylianidis
...
Hi everyone!
My name is Teo Stylianidis, and I’m currently working as a Project Manager and Mechanical Design Engineer specializing in robotic and automation systems — mainly in packaging lines, palletising cells, and industrial automation projects across Europe.
When I was growing up, I wanted to be an engineer who builds machines that make life easier — and, in a way, that’s exactly what I ended up doing!
My favorite project management tools are MS Project, Miro, and ClickUp, and I’ve recently started deepening my knowledge in PMBOK 7th Edition and Agile hybrid approaches as part of my PMP certification journey.
What drew me to project management was the balance between technical problem-solving and human collaboration — coordinating teams, aligning stakeholders, and turning complex ideas into working systems. What keeps me in it is the constant learning and the satisfaction of delivering something tangible that improves real processes.
My proudest accomplishment so far has been leading the full design and implementation of a robotic palletising system from concept to commissioning, integrating mechanical, automation, and production teams successfully.
Looking forward to learning from this community, sharing experiences, and connecting with professionals who are as passionate about continuous improvement as I am!
Teo
Hi Teo, welcome to PMI's online community!
Thanks for sharing your professional journey with us - wishing you all the best as you pursue PMP certification! Saving Changes...
Community Specialist| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, PA, United States
Oct 16, 2025 4:30 AM
Replying to Muhammad Rafiq
...
Hello everyone, I am Dr Muhammad Rafiq. As a seasoned academic and researcher, I bring over 20 years of teaching experience in higher education institutions across Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Pakistan. Currently, I serve as a Lecturer in the Department of Management Information Systems at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU), KSA, a role I've held since 2011. My academic portfolio is built on a strong foundation of degrees, including a recent Ph.D. in Management from the University of Technology Malaysia (2024), a Master’s in Project Management from the University of Hertfordshire (UK), and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science from the University of Peshawar (Pakistan).
I'm thrilled to recently have obtained my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) on October 4, 2024. As an active member of PMI, I'm committed to staying updated on the latest developments and best practices in project management. With my blend of academic and professional experience, I'm excited to collaborate with fellow members and contribute to the project management community. I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge and learning from others in this esteemed network.Thank you
Welcome to PMI's online community, Dr Muhammad Rafiq!
Congratulations on earning your PMP certification! We're so glad to have you as part of this community and look forward to learning from you. Saving Changes...
Community Specialist| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, PA, United States
Oct 16, 2025 7:07 AM
Replying to Chuchu Selma
...
My name is Chuchu Selma, and I currently serve as the Country Director for WaterAid in Liberia, West Africa. WaterAid is a global charity working in 33 countries to ensure that poor and marginalized people, particularly across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, have access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene.
WaterAid operates as a global federation with member countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, Australia, Japan, and India.
Growing up in Liberia, one of the world’s poorest countries, I experienced firsthand the true meaning of deprivation and destitution. Poverty was an everyday reality of my childhood. From those early years, I dreamed of a better and fairer world—one where everyone is included, and where equity and justice guide global governance and leadership. I also lived through fourteen years of brutal civil war, which makes my survival and education nothing short of a miracle. Those experiences shaped my conviction and drive: I will not rest until I have contributed meaningfully to realizing that dream of a just and peaceful world where all people can thrive.
I have worked with WaterAid for over 13 of my 20 years in the not-for-profit and international development sector, serving in different roles across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria. Over the years, I have managed programs and projects that deliver water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as initiatives focused on food security, livelihoods, health, and education. My work has involved building infrastructure, strengthening systems and policies, enhancing governance and institutional capacity, providing training and technical support, and leading advocacy and service delivery efforts.
It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve alongside other leaders of WaterAid—through the West Africa Leadership Team, the Global Power and Diversity Steering Group, and the Global Executive, which includes Chief Executives and Thematic Leads from the eight member countries of the WaterAid Federation. Through these engagements, I have contributed to driving organizational growth and transformation, and to addressing developmental, humanitarian, and environmental challenges related to water, sanitation, hygiene, public health, climate change, gender, and education.
I am particularly passionate about organizational leadership, strategic planning, and quality project management—ensuring that every effort adds real value, delivers sustainable outcomes, and achieves lasting impact for the people and communities we serve.
Hi Chuchu Selma, welcome to PMI's online community!
Thank you for sharing with us; it's great to learn more about you and your work. Saving Changes...
Hi I am Surya Teja currently pursuing my master's in project management at Northeastern University and learning more about the project management and project management is very vast which is applicable to any industry and its also very different to switch the industries as a Project Manager and identifying the right industry is very important to lead a successful project manager career. So, I am currently figuring it out which industry to go into I already have experience in the project management I worked as a Quality Analyst at Accenture but its all in IT and more technical projects again if I switch the industry would that be a problem? and right now the IT industry is experiencing lot of layoffs due to the AI involvement So, should need to change the industry? I am ready to switch as I can learn some new things in that industry and always open for new learning instead of doing same repetitive tasks. Any suggestions are welcome and its also great to meet you all Project Managers at all place in PMI such a beautiful which connects many project managers hopefully in future I will be a Project Manager working with some of you maybe.
...
1 reply by Laura Schofield
Oct 16, 2025 3:35 PM
Laura Schofield
...
Hi Surya Teja, welcome to PMI's online community!
Thanks so much for bringing your questions to the community. This thread is intended for introductions so that we may get to know one another better. Please consider starting a new thread in Project Management Central with your questions: https://www.projectmanagement.com/discussi...agement-central
That will make it easier for fellow community members to provide you with their insights. See you around the online community!
I currently work as a Construction Project Manager at Goldbricks Constructions in Canada, where I lead large-scale residential and infrastructure projects from concept through completion. With over 24 years of experience across Canada, Ghana, Libya, and India, I’ve had the privilege of managing multimillion-dollar developments that bring real value to communities.
What did I want to be growing up?
As a child, I was fascinated by how things were built — from bridges to skyscrapers — so becoming a civil engineer and then a project manager felt like a natural path.
Favorite project management tools and technologies:
I rely heavily on MS Project, Excel, and AutoCAD for scheduling, cost control, and design coordination. I’m also keen to explore advanced digital project controls and AI-driven analytics tools that enhance decision-making and risk management.
What drew me to project management:
I’ve always enjoyed the balance between technical precision and leadership. Guiding diverse teams, solving problems in real time, and delivering tangible results have kept me motivated throughout my career.
My proudest accomplishment:
Successfully managing the US$245 million NVTI Schools Project in Ghana, which provided modern educational facilities across 38 schools — a project that not only met its budget and timeline but also made a meaningful social impact.
Looking forward to connecting with fellow professionals and learning from your project management journeys!
...
1 reply by Laura Schofield
Oct 16, 2025 3:37 PM
Laura Schofield
...
Welcome to PMI's online community, Anirudh Bhardwaj! We look forward to learning from you too.
Community Specialist| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, PA, United States
Oct 16, 2025 1:17 PM
Replying to Surya Teja Pothana
...
Hi I am Surya Teja currently pursuing my master's in project management at Northeastern University and learning more about the project management and project management is very vast which is applicable to any industry and its also very different to switch the industries as a Project Manager and identifying the right industry is very important to lead a successful project manager career. So, I am currently figuring it out which industry to go into I already have experience in the project management I worked as a Quality Analyst at Accenture but its all in IT and more technical projects again if I switch the industry would that be a problem? and right now the IT industry is experiencing lot of layoffs due to the AI involvement So, should need to change the industry? I am ready to switch as I can learn some new things in that industry and always open for new learning instead of doing same repetitive tasks. Any suggestions are welcome and its also great to meet you all Project Managers at all place in PMI such a beautiful which connects many project managers hopefully in future I will be a Project Manager working with some of you maybe.
Hi Surya Teja, welcome to PMI's online community!
Thanks so much for bringing your questions to the community. This thread is intended for introductions so that we may get to know one another better. Please consider starting a new thread in Project Management Central with your questions: https://www.projectmanagement.com/discussi...agement-central
That will make it easier for fellow community members to provide you with their insights. See you around the online community! Saving Changes...
Community Specialist| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, PA, United States
Oct 16, 2025 3:13 PM
Replying to Anirudh Bhardwaj
...
Hi everyone, I’m Anirudh Bhardwaj,
I currently work as a Construction Project Manager at Goldbricks Constructions in Canada, where I lead large-scale residential and infrastructure projects from concept through completion. With over 24 years of experience across Canada, Ghana, Libya, and India, I’ve had the privilege of managing multimillion-dollar developments that bring real value to communities.
What did I want to be growing up?
As a child, I was fascinated by how things were built — from bridges to skyscrapers — so becoming a civil engineer and then a project manager felt like a natural path.
Favorite project management tools and technologies:
I rely heavily on MS Project, Excel, and AutoCAD for scheduling, cost control, and design coordination. I’m also keen to explore advanced digital project controls and AI-driven analytics tools that enhance decision-making and risk management.
What drew me to project management:
I’ve always enjoyed the balance between technical precision and leadership. Guiding diverse teams, solving problems in real time, and delivering tangible results have kept me motivated throughout my career.
My proudest accomplishment:
Successfully managing the US$245 million NVTI Schools Project in Ghana, which provided modern educational facilities across 38 schools — a project that not only met its budget and timeline but also made a meaningful social impact.
Looking forward to connecting with fellow professionals and learning from your project management journeys!
Welcome to PMI's online community, Anirudh Bhardwaj! We look forward to learning from you too. Saving Changes...
I’m Anirudh Bhardwaj , currently working as a Project Manager with experience in leading multidisciplinary construction and infrastructure projects. My background includes overseeing project lifecycles from design coordination to execution, ensuring quality delivery, cost efficiency, and stakeholder alignment.
From a young age, I was drawn to how planning and teamwork can turn ideas into tangible results — which naturally led me to project management. I’m passionate about using structured methodologies and modern tools to improve project efficiency and collaboration.
Some of my go-to project management technologies include MS Project, Primavera P6, BIM, Power BI, and cloud-based collaboration platforms. I’m also exploring Agile and AI-driven project analytics to further enhance decision-making.
I’m excited to be part of the PMI community — to learn, share experiences, and contribute to advancing our profession together.
Looking forward to connecting with fellow members and learning from your insights!
Warm regards,
Anirudh Bhardwaj
PMP | Project Manager | Construction & Infrastructure Professional
Saving Changes...
Alisson Queiroz Director of Engineering | BIM Manager| ADQ EngenhariaSão Paulo, Brazil
Hello everyone!
I’m Alisson Queiroz, a civil and production engineer and project manager passionate about transforming challenging ideas into real and sustainable results.
My journey began in the aeronautical field, where I learned the value of precision, discipline, and safety. Later, I realized how these principles were aligned with the PMBOK and how project management became part of my mindset.
In civil engineering, I have worked on large scale and record breaking projects such as urban mega ziplines and panoramic glass structures, while developing engineering teams and implementing PMOs focused on delivering value.
The PMI has been a key reference in my career, shaping how I lead with purpose and clarity. I’m currently pursuing an MBA in Production Engineering, preparing for the PMP certification, and always eager to learn from this global community.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading good books, spending time outdoors, and exploring new destinations.
Warm regards,
Alisson Queiroz
...
1 reply by Laura Schofield
Oct 17, 2025 11:44 AM
Laura Schofield
...
Hi Alisson, welcome to PMI's online community. Wishing you all the best on your MBA and PMP journeys!
PMI Team Member
