PMI Atlanta is pleased to announce September’s Volunteer of the Month – congratulations, Eka Okonmkpaeto! For the past two years, Eka has served as the Lead for Technology Forums Registration. Among other reasons, she is being recognized for being a dependable lead for the industry forums and her ability to always ensure timely set up for the technology forums. We love Eka’s outlook on the project management profession – read more about it below and her beliefs about the ‘joy’ of volunteering.
Q. How did you become interested in the project management profession?
A. Oh that's simple... I saw and still see the project management profession as a field of career that never "sleeps" - it always changes and challenges people's old mind set of thinking and doing their businesses as usual. The project management profession is exciting and lively in that it breaks the walls and creates a 'culture of transparency'. It's all about connecting the dots through communication by requiring internal and external stakeholders to come together to focus on specific project objectives. As a result, effective teamwork is central to successful projects. This is why my interest in project management was aroused.
Q. What has been your favorite or most rewarding volunteer experience with PMI Atlanta?
A. I believe my favorite volunteer experience with PMI Atlanta is the opportunity to meet, see, and serve people with gladness in my heart and a smile on my face. Particularly, being part of the volunteer team for Tech Forum that sets up in the spirit of education and understanding - in that each scheduled speaker brings enlargement to our professional and/or personal awareness.
Q. Is there anything else you would like to share about volunteering, PMI Atlanta or your professional experience?
A. Yes, volunteering ought to be a lifestyle for every breathing, living human being. We often say the word 'joy' but how many know that the true flowing of the word 'joy' comes from when you volunteer? Joy stands for:
J for Jesus
O for others
Y for you
When it flows in that order because you give/share your time, talent, etc. with someone or people, the experience of it is priceless. I am grateful to be part of the PMI Atlanta; the best Chapter that is fervent, loyal in serving its members to excel and soar even higher in project management profession.
Q. What leisurely activities do you enjoy? Any little known fact that you’d like to share?
A. I enjoy reading books that enlighten my understanding and build me up to be a better person each day, spending time in the gym, working in the yard, and spending time with family and friends. I believe that next to God, family bonding is very crucial in nurturing the body, mind, and spirit - which result in wholeness and longevity.