Let your STAR Shine! Be a part of the Second Annual PMI Palmetto Star Awards

The PMI Palmetto Star Awards names represent:

• Excellence that shines within our professional community
• Leadership that guides others toward success
• A beacon of inspiration for future project management professionals

Award Categories

• Rising Star Award: Recognizing professionals with 1–5 years of experience who show extraordinary promise in project management.
• Community Impact Star Award: Honoring those who lead through mentorship and collaboration, strengthening the project management community.
• Innovation Star Award: Celebrating creative thinkers whose innovative solutions drive exceptional results in challenging environments.
• Team Innovation Star Award: Highlighting teams that excel at accelerating progress in delivering value-added change.

Deadline to Nominate: April 22, 2026

Eligibility Criteria

• PMI Membership and Symposium Participation: Nominees are not required to be members of any PMI chapters or PMI. However, participation in the PMI Palmetto Chapter 2026 Symposium is highly encouraged but not mandatory.
• Industry and Organization: Nominees can come from any industry sector and organization size, including large corporations, small businesses, or non-profit organizations.
• Rising Star Category Only: Nominees must have at least one (1) and no more than five (5) years of project management experience.

Selection Process

The selection of the 2026 PMI Palmetto Stars will involve expert evaluation by a distinguished review team, ensuring a well-rounded and fair selection process. This panel will evaluate candidates based on their project performance, leadership, and management skills. The award will be presented at the 2026 PMI Palmetto Symposium.

Why Nominate?

This isn’t just an award—it’s a legacy. By nominating yourself or someone you admire, you’ll help launch a tradition that celebrates:  
          Emerging leaders taking their first big steps in project management.  
          Community champions strengthening our profession through mentorship and collaboration.  
          Bold innovators solving complex challenges with creativity and vision.  
This is your chance to participate in the PMI Palmetto Star Awards and be part of a historic moment in the Upstate project management community. Star Award recipients will be recognized during the PMI Palmetto Symposium, be invited to attend the Star Awards Dinner, receive a $100 gift card, and have a free pass for the next year’s PMI Palmetto Symposium. Nominate Now!

2025 STAR Award Winners

Niraj Dhankhode –Michelin - Superpower: Strategic Relationship Builder Excels at aligning cross-functional teams around a shared vision
Edwenna Ervin – Verizon - Superpower: Relentless Drive to Achieve Fueled by her CliftonStrengths “Achiever” paired with Strategic and Learner traits
Wanda Peery – Michelin - Superpower: Action-Oriented Change Maker CliftonStrengths “Activator” – known for inspiring teams to take initiative confidently
Robyn Maggio – Fluor - Superpower: Collaborative Leadership Through Kindness Blends emotional intelligence with classic PM skills to drive results through strong relationships

Event Details