Laurier × PMI-CCT: Exploring Career Paths in Project Management

The Career Centre has teamed up with Laurier colleagues from Information and Communication Technologies to showcase career paths in project management. Attend this event to explore your options, learn from professionals, and build your network with guests from the Project Management Institute. 

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the world's leading professional organization for project, program, and portfolio management. The PMI Canada's Technology Triangle (PMI-CTT) Chapter is a non-profit professional association serving project management professionals in the Kitchener-Waterloo region of Ontario. It provides resources, professional development, networking opportunities, and events (such as seminars and study groups) to support local, regional, and national project management career growth.

What to Expect:

• PMI Overview and Panel Discussion
• Networking and free pizza sponsored by PMI
• A chance to win one free PMI student membership
  

Laurier Guests:

• Filip Adamski - Interim Director, ICT Projects, Information and Communications Technologies, Laurier 
• Paloma Forwell - Senior Business Consultant, Information and Communication Technologies, Laurier 

Panelists: 

Alex Letona, Senior Program Manager at Regional Medical Associates | PMI CCT President
BSc Computer Science, PMP

• Alex Letona is a senior program and change management leader with extensive experience guiding organizations through complex technology and business transformations. He specializes in enterprise system implementations, organizational change management, and cross-functional program delivery in healthcare and related sectors, partnering closely with executives, clinical leaders, and technical teams to enable sustainable results. Known for a practical, people-centered approach, Alex supports leaders and their teams to navigate change with clarity, empathy, and disciplined execution.
  He has held senior roles driving core system modernizations and digital initiatives, while also serving in volunteer leadership positions that advance the project management profession. As President of the PMI Canada's Technology Triangle Chapter, he champions professional development, community building, and excellence in project and change management practice. Alex is passionate about helping organizations move from strategy to realization, enabling teams to adopt new ways of working and deliver measurable value.

Ayo Adetayo, Project Manager - Corporate Initiatives at Momentum Financial Services | PMI CTT VP Agility 
BSc Industrial Chemistry, PGD Chemical Engineering, PMP

• Ayo is a seasoned Digital Transformation Leader and PMI CTT new VP of Agility, with expertise in Agile Leadership, Project Management, and Business Analysis.
  University Degree and Other Qualifications: Ayo holds degrees in Physical Sciences and Engineering (Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering), complemented by certifications in Agile, ITIL, and Lean methodologies.
  Fun Facts: Ayo is an avid listener who finds joy in connecting with people, listening to music, and hitting the dance floor whenever the rhythm calls!
  Aspiration & Values: Inspired by PMI's values of collaboration, responsibility, and excellence, Ayo aspires to empower teams to innovate by leveraging technology to deliver meaningful change. He values respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to create an inclusive and lasting impact.

Shirley De Souza, Board of Director Professional Development at PMI CCT
BSc Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, PMP, DASM

• Shirley De Souza serves as PMI-CTT's Director of Professional Development (PD), providing thoughtful, sustainable leadership that centers on growth. She leads an awesome, dedicated team advancing member development across Agility, Mentoring, Certifications, Academic Outreach, Enhancement Training, and Study Hall, aligning every initiative with PMI-CTT's strategic vision. Previously acting as Director of Professional Development, VP Disciplined Agile, and Events Manager, she has cultivated diverse, high-performing teams that deliver meaningful learning and community experiences.
  A Chemical Engineering graduate of the University of Waterloo, PMP® and DASM®, Shirley brings cross-industry insight from Toyota, Alcatel, and the injection moulding sector. She is recognized for building collaborative relationships and growth across teams. and fostering cultures of continuous improvement. She is a curious learner who continues to deepen her expertise in Agile Project Management and  Emotional Intelligence Leadership. Passionate about giving back, she volunteers actively, treasures family time, and explores mindful creativity through pottery.

Vanessa Perez, Corporate Support Coordinator at Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region | PMI CTT VP Certification
B.S. in Electrical Engineering - Colombia

• Vanessa is a professional dedicated to making organizations leaner and more effective, driven by the philosophy that better systems lead to better outcomes. With a foundational background in telecommunications, system integration, and software development, she brings a structured, analytical approach to her work at Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. In her current role, she acts as a strategic bridge across the organization, identifying operational gaps and leading the transition from manual, fragmented tasks to integrated, high-efficiency systems.
  Vanessa thrives on transforming messy processes into seamless, functional workflows that better serve the community. Beyond her professional work, she is committed to giving back through volunteering and recharges by spending quality time with family and friends. She also loves to paint; she finds that this creative outlet helps her think outside the box when solving complex problems, bringing a unique perspective to her project management style.

We are committed to providing inclusive programs and services to all students and alumni. Please contact careercentre@wlu.ca if you require accommodation for a disability.