Palmetto Chapter June Newsletter
Member Spotlight
Member Name - Alana Maghan
Member Since - September 2024
PMI Volunteer History - 2026 Symposium Volunteer
What's the most important lesson you've learned throughout your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of adaptability. The project management roles I have held aligned my strengths in planning, organization, and collaboration. Project management also showed me that success depends on continuous learning and embracing change. A positive, flexible mindset allows me to deliver value in dynamic environments while embracing change in a way that makes my career feel calm, even during chaotic changes.
What's something you've always wanted to try or learn?
I’m always eager to learn and try new things like picking up hobbies including pickleball and mahjong to expanding my professional skill set. I’m currently studying for the PMP exam, building my IT and AI knowledge to better support my work at an IT MSP, and exploring MBA programs to strengthen my business fundamentals and critical thinking skills.
I’m passionate about strengthening my community by building meaningful connections, mental health advocacy, volunteering at my local animal shelter, propping up small businesses, and helping others grow and succeed through collaboration and support.
Symposium
PMI Palmetto 2026 Symposium: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
The PMI Palmetto Chapter proudly hosted the 2026 Symposium on April 28, 2026 at the Cannon Centre in Greer, SC, with a simultaneous virtual option. This year’s theme, "From Challenge to Change"—centered on "Courageous Conversations";—focused on empowering professionals to navigate complex challenges, develop conflict resolution techniques, and build community. Attendees were eligible to earn 7 PDUs.

We had an incredible symposium this year with 120 attendees both in person and virtual. With topics ranging from 'how to manage innovation effectively' to 'dealing with the rapid changes AI is bringing to our world'. Our mascot Ari the Owl helped keep us on track - hoot hoot!!

Attendees engaged with thought leaders, including Thomas Triumph (Evolution is Not Optional), Mashhood Ahmed (Overcoming AI Fear: Imposter Syndrome in the Age of AI), Natalie Micale (Strategic Influence), John Horton (Healthy Projects), Melissa-Anne Cunningham (Leveraging Technology), and Vinod Kumar (Emerging Perspectives).

Highlights of the 2026 Symposium:
● PMI Palmetto Star Awards: The Star Awards program continued, celebrating
excellence in leadership and innovation.
Looking Ahead
We are already incorporating attendee feedback from the post-event survey to make future programs even better. The planning for the 2027 Symposium will build upon this year's hybrid success and focus on continued community impact and leadership excellence.
Join the 2027 Symposium Team!
Planning for next year's symposium is already starting, and we need your talent and
energy! We have open volunteer positions.
Volunteering is a great way to:
● Expand your professional network
● Earn PDUs
● Develop leadership skills
● Give back to the project management community
Continuing the Legacy
We want to personally thank the entire planning committee for their dedication and hard work in orchestrating this amazing event. Special thanks to Claire Pfeiffer, 2026 Symposium Chair, and Wayne Hart, Co-Chair, along with committee members John Horton, Tony Jones, Lisa Rodman, Melissa Mullis, Rebecca Simmons, and Detra German. We also thank Susan Marin, Chapter President, for her support.
To volunteer for the 2026 Symposium Committee, please visit PMI's Volunteer Engagement Portal
Upcoming Events
Join us at Rupert House Veteran Center on June 18 to for our Monthly Meeting Featuring Regina Campbell
Monthly Meeting
June 18, 2026
Register today! Reserve Your Spot!
PM in the PM (In Person - Spare Time, Greenville)
August 6, 2026 from 6PM-7:30PM
Please join Nicole Walton, Chapter Volunteer, at the next in-person PM in the PM networking session on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 6PM – 7:30PM EST. Register today! Reserve Your Spot! In-Person PM in the PM
Location: Spare Time Greenville
822 Congaree Rd
Greenville, SC 29607
Venue website
Directions
Register for all events through the Events tab of the Palmetto Chapter website.
Share Your Journey with Us!
Become Our Next Featured Member!
Would you like to share how PMI has made a positive impact on your life? Do you have advice for others in the project management field? Would you like to nominate someone to share their story?
Why Share Your Story?
Inspire Others: Your story could be the motivation someone else needs.
Connect: Sharing experiences brings our community closer together.
Highlight Your Achievements: Let's celebrate your successes and milestones.
Don't miss this chance to be in the spotlight and make a difference in our community. Your story is important, and we can't wait to hear it!
Email VP Membership, Valerie Welbourn , for more information.
Volunteers
Volunteers Committee
Please welcome our newest volunteers!
- Vivek Sander, Interim VP of Professional Development
- Wayne Hart, Elections Officer & 2027 Symposium Director
- Seveidra Theodore, Social Medial Coordinator and 2027 Symposium Helper
- Dr. Kimber-lee Suiter, 2027 Symposium Helper
The success of the chapter and our ability to provide high-quality activities is only
achievable with the help of our members as volunteers. By volunteering you will help build a bigger and better chapter through specialized projects (Symposium, etc.), day-to-day operations (finance management, building organizational structure, etc.), and community outreach. As a volunteer servant leader, you will have the opportunity to expand your professional internal network, enhance your leadership skills, earn PDUs, and much more.
Volunteer roles are open to ANY chapter member in good standing.
Sponsorship Officer (Role Level: Executive)
Webmaster (Role Level: Helping Hands)
2027 Symposium Helper (Role Level: Helper)
2027 Symposium Co-Chair (Role Level: Board)
Director of Tools of the Trade (Role Level: Board)
Social Impact Program Coordinator (Role Level: Helping Hands)
Please contact the VP of Volunteers at the following email address for more information: [email protected].
Dr. Detra German - VP Volunteers
Programs
Log into the Member Area on PMI Palmetto website and follow the instructions in the ProjectBites Sign-Up form under Member Documents. An individual subscription would normally cost you $90 per year, but it is now FREE for our members!!
• ProjectBites presents project management education and inspiration in 20-minute videos from speakers around the world.
• New content is being added weekly.
• Each video comes with a downloadable “Take-Away” PDF available after viewing.
• All the time spent viewing these videos qualifies towards your collection of PDUs. Project Bites tracks your PDU’s for you.
Free PMBOK® Guide
Did you know your PMI® membership enables you to receive a free copy of the PMBOK® Guide?
Email [email protected] for more information.






