Presentation Title: 

Understanding the Perception and Value of Time

Presentation Summary: 

Discussing how different cultures view time and what we may gain by changing our perspectives. 

The learning objectives will be focused on two areas. First, a look at on how many Americans view time. Second, gaining an awareness of how other cultures perceive time. The benefits of this discussion is to help our members gain more of an appreciation for different work style approaches which are helpful in the multi culture environments many of us work in.

Speaker: Rachel Gersten

Speaker Bio:  

Rachel Gersten is a state employee who enjoys working with numbers as a Business and Finance Manager. She considers herself a life long learner whose views on education were formed early from her family of teachers. Rachel has a Masters in Business Administration. Two years ago she happily added the initials PMP to her email signature. After earning her certification she has been an active volunteer with the PMI Phoenix Chapter.

Presentation Title:

The Power of Networking

Presentation Summary: 

Your network is the #1 predictor of career and business success. Our speaker brings over 20 years of leadership experience in corporate America and higher education.

Your network is your net worth! The Power of Networking will help you apply the art and science of how to network, leading to forge intentional and authentic relationships that will propel your career and business goals. Learn the various levels of a network, the difference between mentors and sponsors (there are gender differences!) and what it takes to build a network that is open, diverse, and deep.

Speaker: Janice Mrkonjic

Speaker Bio:  

Janice Mrkonjic, M.Ed., PMP, ventured from Nova Scotia to North Carolina in 2001 to pioneer eLearning solutions benefitting AT&T, Verizon, and numerous telcos. In 2012, she flexed her entrepreneurial spirit by establishing Savvy Event Designs LLC, a destination management company in Raleigh, where she earned her PMP. In 2013, she accepted an adventurous opportunity in academia through leadership roles with Duke University, Arizona State University, and Maricopa Community Colleges. Janice followed her dream to live in California, where she directs traffic at the intersection of education, community, workforce, and economic development by producing fee-based, not-for-credit programs that fill knowledge gaps at Mt. San Jacinto College. Through her membership and committee contributions, Janice values PMI, its Chapters, and volunteers. A fireball of high energy and optimism, she loves all life's joys, including the occasional curveball.  

Presentation Title: 

The Evolution of Microsoft Project and the Platform for PPM

Presentation Summary: 

Microsoft has consolidated three offerings: To-Do, Planner, and Project for the web into a single Collaborative and Enterprise Work Management Solution (CWM/EWM) that integrates seamlessly into Microsoft Teams.

Learning Objectives:

Learn how to manage personal tasks, informal plans, formal project schedules, and the extensibility options to scale up to full-blown Project and Portfolio Management (PPM).

Learn about Artificial Intelligence options with Microsoft Co-Pilot for the New Planner.

Speaker: 

Kenneth Steiness, CEO, Sensei Project Solutions

Speaker Bio:  

Kenneth has worked in the project management and scheduling field for over 25 years and has managed customer engagements in over 13 countries worldwide and throughout the United States. His focus is on process and the discipline of PPM and scheduling whenever he engages with clients to deploy Microsoft Project and Portfolio Management or teaches classes on the subject.  As the founder of Sensei Project Solutions, Kenneth provides strategic direction to the business and is deeply involved with client relationships. 

Presentation Title: 

Support of working with a staffing agency and all things marketing yourself throughout the interview process

Presentation Summary:

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the role of a staffing agency in job placement and career development.
• Identify key benefits of working with a staffing agency, including access to exclusive job opportunities and professional guidance.
• Develop a personal branding strategy to effectively present skills and experience.
• Apply effective interview techniques to confidently communicate value to potential employers.
• Utilize follow-up strategies to reinforce interest and professionalism post-interview.

You can download the presentation here.

Speaker: 

Gina Bovi

Swoon Staffing Agency

Speaker Bio: 

Gina Bovi is a Business Development Manager at Swoon Staffing, where she partners with clients across the Valley and the U.S. to deliver top tier staffing solutions. With nearly three years at Swoon, Gina has played a key role in helping businesses build high-performing teams. Prior to her career in staffing, she worked at American Express, gaining valuable experience in client relations and business strategy. Passionate about connecting talent with opportunity, Gina brings a strategic and people-first approach to workforce solutions.