Dear PMI Pune-Deccan India Chapter Members, Partners and colleagues,

It is with immense pride and anticipation that I assume the role of President and CEO of PMI Pune-Deccan India Chapter. As we embark on this exciting journey together, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Jay Dholakia and the outgoing leadership team. Their exceptional stewardship has set a strong foundation for us, and under their guidance, the chapter has achieved remarkable milestones that will propel us into the future. These include:

• Hosting 194 consecutive monthly seminars, a reflection of our commitment to operational excellence,
• Expanding our CSR initiatives, such as the Jagruti Sustainability Awareness Drive and tree-planting campaigns,
• Strengthening ATP partnerships, enhancing opportunities for PMP/CAPM aspirants, supporting over 1,200 PMP/CAPM aspirants through valuable partnerships
• Increasing volunteer engagement, with 120+ volunteers playing an essential role in our chapter’s initiatives
• Ensuring operational excellence with a seamless transition to financial compliance and Darpan registration.

Our chapter is in a position of strength, building on this legacy, we look forward to further enhancing the impact of PMI Pune-Deccan in 2025 and beyond. Together, we will create a vibrant and thriving community that empowers professionals to excel.

Our Strengths: A Foundation for the Future

The success of PMI Pune-Deccan is deeply rooted in a number of key strengths:

• A Robust Local Network: We have ~2,300 active members across Pune, Goa, and Maharashtra, with strong ties to industries such as IT, manufacturing, and academia. This vibrant network provides a wealth of opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Global Recognition and Industry Engagement: Our members have represented us at prominent global platforms, including the PMI Global LIM and the Asia Pacific LIM events, bringing back invaluable insights. Our chapter has also gained recognition as a global pioneer in leveraging technology to enhance member engagement, such as our MX360 platform, which integrates AI, CRM, and WhatsApp automation to streamline event attendance, payments, and personalized communication.
• Academic Partnerships: With collaborations across top universities like DYP, Indira, COEP, and Symbiosis, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of project management professionals.
• An Active Volunteer Pool: Our volunteer base, which continues to grow, is a source of immense energy and enthusiasm. Volunteers are the backbone of our chapter, driving initiatives that enhance our reach and impact.

Key Metrics & Milestones (2024)

Over the past year, we have achieved significant milestones that reflect our ongoing growth and influence, including:

• 1,511 renewed credential holders and outreach to 18,872 non-chapter members for conversion,
• 600+ PDUs delivered to members,
• 50% growth in student membership, highlighting our expanding influence among young professionals,
• Recognition of our PWL Initiative for upholding cultural values, with double recognition from PMI South Asia.

Our Vision for 2025 and Beyond: Elevating Impact

As we look to the future, our focus will be on activities that provide significant value to our paid members and PMI professionals across the Pune region, the rest of Maharashtra (except Mumbai and Nasik), and Goa. Here are some of the key areas we will prioritize and our vision for 2025 centers on hyper-personalized member engagement and expanding our impact across regions:

• Elevating Member Value: We are committed to providing continuous career-long learning and professional development opportunities. This will include fostering more meaningful interactions through seminars, workshops, and specialized interest groups (SIGs) that cover critical areas such as AI, construction, and more. These efforts will not only keep our members updated with industry trends but also provide the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their roles
• Additionally, we aim to implement a formal mentorship program, which will allow seasoned professionals to guide emerging leaders. This initiative will empower both mentors and mentees by creating strong connections and supporting career growth within the PMI community
• Digital Transformation: We will continue to enhance the MX360 Platform with features like QR-based seminar attendance, automated PDU allocation, and WhatsApp payment gateways to streamline experiences for our members.
• Global Connections: To bridge global collaborations, we will expand partnerships with international PMI chapters and host hybrid events via Metaverse-enabled communities, allowing members to engage beyond geographical boundaries.
• Strategic Expansion Across Region: We will extend our footprint by establishing branches in Goa and Nagpur, customizing workshops to the needs of industries such as tourism, pharma, and automotive.
• Corporate Partnerships: We aim to forge deeper corporate partnerships, offering leadership masterclasses and destination workshops to diversify the value we provide to our members and prospective members.
• Student Empowerment: Our commitment to student engagement will continue to grow, with aspirations to collaborate with 6+ universities and expand the Student Ambassador Program. This will ensure that PMI certifications become a cornerstone of career development for young professionals.
• Operational Excellence: We will align closely with PMI’s evolving chapter charter and ensure all activities are aligned with UN SDGs, further enhancing our commitment to sustainable development.

How You Can Contribute to This Vision

The success of these initiatives depends on the collective effort of every one of you. I encourage you to actively participate and engage in shaping the future of PMI Pune-Deccan:

• Volunteer: Your time and expertise are invaluable. Join our growing team of volunteers and contribute to the various initiatives that will make this vision a reality.
• Engage: Attend chapter meetings, participate in workshops, and get involved in CSR initiatives to foster community connections and professional growth.
• Collaborate: Share your insights and knowledge with others through mentorship programs, SIGs, and other collaborative platforms that facilitate growth and development.

Acknowledging Challenges

As we chart our path forward, we recognize the challenges that lie ahead. These include the need to strengthen our senior volunteer pipeline and continue to innovate to stay ahead of rising competition. However, I am confident that with your active participation and creative ideas, we will navigate these challenges and create value-driven offerings that keep PMI Pune-Deccan at the forefront of the profession.

Together, we will shape a future where PMI Pune-Deccan is synonymous with innovation, inclusivity, and global impact.

Thank you for your trust and support. Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation and success for PMI Pune-Deccan!

Sincerely,
Mr. Rinoo Rajesh
President & CEO, PMI Pune-Deccan India Chapter

www.rinoorajesh.com | www.pmipunechapter.com | LinkedIn: Rinoo Rajesh  | LinkedIn: PMI Pune-Deccan