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A year to transform, a community to move forward together

ByCatherine Laramée,

3 minutes

The end of the year is always an ideal time to slow down, look back—and above all, to measure how far we have come together. This year, more than ever, reminded us that the strength of a community is not measured solely by what it accomplishes, but by its ability to adapt, reinvent itself, and remain true to what truly drives it.

 

Bold Choices

We made bold choices in a demanding social and economic context—choices that required resilience, clarity, and cohesion. Collectively, we were able to transform constraints into opportunities for learning and innovation, rethink our ways of working, and adjust our actions with agility, all while staying focused on what matters most: celebrating excellence, supporting our members, and showcasing project management as a true lever for transformation.

 

RDV Élixir

The decision to turn the Élixir Gala into a virtual event is a powerful example of this approach. This shift was more than a change in format—it was an expression of remarkable agility and collective intelligence, driven by dedicated volunteers, supportive partners, and an engaged community. It demonstrated that with a clear vision and shared commitment, meaning can be preserved regardless of the context.

 

A Growing Community with Greater Impact

Throughout the year, our community continued to grow—not only in numbers, but more importantly in maturity, diversity, and confidence. Every new involvement, every exchange, and every initiative helped strengthen our sense of belonging to a vibrant, relevant, and forward-looking association.

 

Members and Volunteer Engagement

We also chose to place an even stronger focus on the value delivered to our members. By enriching our programming, strengthening mentorship, and expanding opportunities for involvement—particularly through high-impact volunteerism—we aimed to create more engaging, meaningful pathways aligned with the aspirations of our community. This approach reflects our commitment to supporting each member at every stage of their professional journey, in a spirit of sharing, development, and contribution.

 

Volunteerism—the very heart of PMI-Montréal—reached remarkable levels this year. Seeing so many members step forward, share their expertise, and actively contribute to the life of the association remains one of our greatest sources of pride. This collective energy is what allows us to go further, together.

 

The Reach of PMI-Montréal

On both a personal and institutional level, I had the privilege of carrying this energy beyond our borders, notably at the Global Summit and the Leadership Institute Meeting. Representing PMI-Montréal on the international stage and witnessing the recognition of our dynamism was a powerful and pride-filled moment. It confirms that what we are building here resonates on a global scale.

 

Vision 2026

Already, our eyes are turning toward the future. Next year, we will have the great pleasure of welcoming Pierre Le Manh, President and CEO of PMI, at our Symposium. This will be a unique opportunity to further extend our reach, elevate the conversation, and reaffirm PMI-Montréal’s place within the global project management community.

 

In closing, I would like to wish our entire community—members, volunteers, partners, and ecosystem stakeholders—a holiday season filled with joy, happiness, and serenity. May this time offer an opportunity to recharge, celebrate achievements, and approach the new year with enthusiasm, confidence, and shared ambition.

I am already very much looking forward to continuing this collective journey and dreaming alongside you.

 

TO DREAM IS TO OPEN THE PATH TO POSSIBILITY: EVERY GREAT ACHIEVEMENT BEGINS WITH A VISION BORN FROM A DREAM…


THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DREAM:

 

My dream for 2026 is to see PMI-Montréal fully recognized as an essential reference in project management—not only for the quality of its activities, but above all for the real and lasting impact the organization generates. I envision an even more engaged and mobilized community, where every member finds meaning, concrete opportunities to contribute, learn, and grow, and where volunteerism becomes a true lever for leadership, development, and collective pride.

 

I dream of a fully attended symposium, recognized as a space for dialogue and influence—capable of bringing together decision-makers, practitioners, academic communities, and partners around the major challenges of our time: innovation, artificial intelligence, responsible governance, and social impact—while remaining a deeply human, bold organization aligned with our mission, continuing to actively shape the future of the profession.

 

Catherine Laramée, CRHA, CFRE
Executive Director
PMI-Montréal


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