Get Involved
Volunteer Spotlight 4Q2021
Andrew Milano
Work industry/ Job title:I work in the field of gene therapy contract development and manufacturing at Andelyn Biosciences, where I’m a Project Manager with the Process Development Department.
PMICOC committee/position:
Outreach Committee
Years served on this committee:
Less than a year
What motivated you to volunteer with PMICOC?
I was interested in volunteering with PMICOC, but didn’t necessarily know where I would best fit in. I had always enjoyed giving trainings and teaching, so when I found out about the opportunities that the Outreach Committee had to provide training to help support local nonprofits, it became a no-brainer.
What makes this volunteer experience a meaningful use of your time?
To me, it’s always meaningful and a compliment to be trusted to give assistance to someone else, and it’s also been an education for me to learn more about these organizations.
What is the biggest personal benefit you receive as a volunteer with PMICOC?
It’s been very gratifying to work directly with these organizations to help provide support in this area and to see their eagerness to take the training and adapt it to their everyday work.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve been an avid baseball card collector for 35+ years, mainly focused on building my Cal Ripken collection. Currently, I have over 2000 different Ripken cards in my collection.
Your favorite mantra or quote?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky” – Michael Scott
Volunteer Spotlight 3Q2021
Deb Ducmanas, PMP
Work industry/ Job title:
Manufacturing Software/ Director of the Project Management Office for Delmia | Works a division of Dassault
PMICOC committee/position:
Outreach and PDD Day Volunteer
Years served on this committee:
1 year for Outreach and approximately 2 months on PDD Day
What motivated you to volunteer with PMICOC?
PMI had sent out an email looking for a particular type of Project Manager with certain skill set to help with A Kid Again. My background matched that skill set. I also really loved what I knew about the organization and could see I could make a real difference. This has been an amazing year with the A Kid Again. It really gave me light inside of a very dark year. On PDD day I have always really enjoyed it! I wanted to make it as amazing, exciting, and interesting for all our newcomers and all the people who really are ready for something in person.
What makes this volunteer experience a meaningful use of your time?
I believe everyone should give their time to causes that are important to you. I want to make sure I am not the one complaining. Why does PMI not do this and/or that and not be part of the bigger solution. I think if everyone would just give an hour or so a month, we really could make a difference in our organization and our world. Besides it feels amazing to give your time and that helps with just your daily wellness.
What is the biggest personal benefit you receive as a volunteer with PMICOC?
Working with a Kid Again is an amazing opportunity. I have a daughter that is a Congenital Heart Patient. I always was afforded opportunities with my work to give her some incredible experiences. I want to make sure all children have something to look forward to. It is so difficult on the child and family to be at the doctor’s office, hospital and having major surgery. To take a day or a few hours to be able to give them some relief is an amazing gift. I wanted to be a part of that and make it easier and more accessible to all who wanted it and all who might not know it exist yet. The application we are building is very exciting and is beyond a passion project for me.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
I love animals and my husband never says no when I want one more. Currently, we have an Irish Wolfhound, Azawakh and Pomeranian and a Quarter Horse. (If this is too boring, I have others - like I use to be a Ballerina, or I have played on the field with Buckeyes (couldn’t walk the next day but great photos!)).
Your favorite mantra or quote?
I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the best of her ability – RBG
Volunteer Spotlight 2Q2021
Jarrod Weeks, MBA, PMP
Work industry/Job title:
IT Services / New Project Introduction
Engineer
PMICOC committee/position:
Communications / VP of Communications
Years served on this committee:
One year
What motivated you to volunteer with PMICOC?
I have always found something incredibly satisfying about acting in a way that is consistent with my principles. Volunteering with PMICOC provided me an opportunity to assist in the continuous development of the chapter, along with satisfying my appetite for service and personal growth.
What makes this volunteer experience a meaningful use of your time?
The people that make up this chapter, their smiling faces, and willingness to pour into each other, makes this volunteer experience so meaningful. On a professional level, discussing and exercising practical applications of project management with peers that have both more and less experience than I, reinforces my foundation and advancement in project management and leadership.
What is the biggest personal benefit you receive as a volunteer with PMICOC?
Opportunity. I believe we have a challenge by choice chapter in which participants are empowered to decide for themselves how they will participate. Through the opportunities PMICOC provided, I’m able to create my vision for our chapter communications in a safe place that is appealing and engaging. This allows me to fine tune my proficiencies and apply best practices to my personal and professional endeavors.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
In 2011, I started a company called Dynamic Circuit Solutions that specialized in repairing control boards for household furnaces.
Your favorite mantra or quote? Proverbs 27:17 NLT - As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Upcoming Member Events
