Abstract

Art or Science — Great Leadership is Both

Today's researchers, psychologists, and sociologists are measuring the impact of artful leadership done well, and the cost when it's absent. As project management professionals, you have a unique opportunity to shape your team's environment and unlock leadership capacity — in yourself and in those around you. Kimi will explore how it works, and how we know it works.

Kimi Hirotsu Ziemski

Kimi Hirotsu Ziemski champions the intersection of art and science in project management and leadership. Audiences and clients value her down-to-earth approach, sharp humor, and ability to make the complex feel accessible.

Across projects ranging from multi-million dollar networking solutions to fast-moving marketing campaigns, her focus on people and culture has been her defining edge — and inspiring that same appreciation in others remains her proudest achievement.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimihirotsuziemski/

Abstract

Cognitive AI: Transforming Human-Machine Interaction

In recent years, Cognitive AI has emerged as a groundbreaking field at the intersection of artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and cognitive science. This presentation delves into the principles and applications of Cognitive AI, highlighting its ability to simulate human-like understanding and learning processes. By leveraging advanced algorithms and vast datasets, Cognitive AI systems can interpret context, recognize patterns, and make decisions in ways that closely mimic human cognition.

We will explore key advancements in Cognitive AI, including natural language processing, image recognition, and decision-making frameworks. The discussion will address the implications of these technologies across industries, from healthcare to finance, emphasizing their potential to not only boost productivity but also drive innovation, inspiring a sense of optimism about the future.

Additionally, the presentation will examine ethical considerations and potential challenges associated with integrating Cognitive AI into society. By understanding both the capabilities and limitations of these systems, we can better harness their power while ensuring responsible use, making the audience feel responsible and aware of the potential ethical challenges.

Greta Blash

Greta Blash has extensive experience as an executive and consulting IT professional, both domestically and internationally. Her areas of experience include program management, project management, business analysis, customer relationship management, and business intelligence.

In addition to her PMP and PgMP certifications, she also holds an agile certification (PMI-ACP) and business analysis (PMI-PBA) certification from Project Management Institute (PMI).

Greta has taught program and project management, business analysis and agile certification courses worldwide for over ten years. She has also published numerous articles and blogs on these topics.

She is a frequent presenter at PMI and IIBA conferences at the local, regional and global level. She is recognized as a SME and reviewer of many PMI standards and practice guides.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretablash

Abstract

The Science Behind Civil Engineering Projects

In this presentation on The Science Behind Civil Engineering projects, we will cover two stories of early bridge engineering and the new technologies.

First, we will cover the Camden and Amboy Railroad and how that was a new technology and how it was “sold”. Then, we will cover Washington Roebling and all the innovations to bridges that he developed with the eventual building of the nearby Brooklyn Bridge, the first suspension bridge in the area. Finally, we will cover how to assess new technologies for implementation in a project and what to look for and the pit falls.

During the presentation we will cover key Project Management concepts including developing innovative technologies, confidentiality of new technologies, and organizing teams.

Joshua Szulczewski

Dr. Joshua Szulczewski, PMP, PhD, PE is an accomplished Civil Structural Engineer who has 19 years of public agency experience in the realms of structural inspection and design, both in project and program management, and development of railroad and heavy highway construction projects.

Joshua holds a master’s in business administration and a PhD. In Civil Structural Engineering from Rutgers University. Joshua also holds a PMP and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the states of New Jersey, New York, and Florida.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-s-2050b839/

Abstract

Master Inclusive Project Management for Neurodiverse Teams

Success in projects is driven by people, and with over 20% of the workforce identifying as neurodiverse, project managers must adapt their leadership strategies to leverage this cognitive diversity.

This session explores how neuroscience, sociology, and scientific methods intersect with project management to create inclusive environments. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies for conducting accessible meetings, designing Universal Design for Learning-based training, and delivering inclusive presentations.

Attendees will leave with evidence-based techniques to foster psychological safety, unlock innovation, and enhance team performance through inclusive leadership grounded in science.

Tanya Boyd

Tanya Boyd is a dynamic project manager and creative strategist with 20+ years of experience spanning disaster recovery, healthcare, IT, marketing, and government. She leads Corbeau Creative Collaboration and the Project Success Academy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-boyd-pmp-project-personality

Karthik Raghuraman (RK)

Karthik Raghuraman (RK) is a Global Digital Learning Lead with 18+ years of experience driving learning transformations for Fortune 500 companies.

A PMP and PMI-ACP certified professional, he authored Learn Faster, Better, and Easier: A Digital Learning Project Manager’s Approach to Learning and serves as Education Liaison for the BCS Neurodiverse IT Specialist Group and Senior Member of IEEE.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/learn2live2learn/

Abstract

The New Science of Projects: A Systems Map for AI, Sustainability, and Value Delivery

The science of project management is evolving from linear control toward intelligent, systems-based approaches that integrate AI, sustainability, and value delivery.

Grounded in PMBOK® Guide – Eighth Edition, the GPM P5™ Standard, and modern PMO practices, this session introduces a practical systems map for understanding projects as interconnected value ecosystems. Participants will explore how AI can function as a decision-support “nervous system,” enhancing governance, learning, and adaptive capacity across projects and portfolios.

Through real-world examples and a live workflow demonstration, the session reframes value beyond outputs to include resilience, sustainability, and expanded leadership capacity in complex organizational environments.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the evolving science of systems-based project management
• Identify how AI can support governance and value delivery in PMOs
• Apply a systems map to integrate sustainability and decision intelligence in projects

Lori McDaniel

Lori McDaniel, PMP, CSM, is a seasoned Senior Project Manager and AI Workflow Strategist with over 20 years of experience leading complex IT and training initiatives across global enterprises.

Founder of Rainbow Bridges Training & Consulting, she empowers professionals—especially women in project management—to work less and lead more through AI-driven workflows. Lori holds advanced credentials including a certificate in AI & Machine Learning from MIT, a Six Sigma Green Belt, and a Black Belt in AI Workflows. She is a Microsoft Copilot educator, SimpleAI Black Belt trainer, and Chair of the PMI Sacramento Women in Project Management Forum, where she champions women's leadership.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-mcdaniel-pmp-csm-89b91a1b3/

Abstract

“You have to learn why things work on a starship”

– Admiral James T. Kirk

No matter the job, whether a big makeup effects gig like bringing Dick Tracy’s rogues gallery to life, a conceptual design assignment creating the latest USS Enterprise for Star Trek, or a fiery visual effects extravaganza showcasing the Galactica being pounded by a Cylon Base Star, I was... wait for it... a psychiatrist. Whether talking an actor off a cliff, tricking a director into thinking it was their idea, or packing your kit and walking off a show to force a producer's hand. It’s people strategy that gets the job done. I got a few stories.

Doug Drexler

Doug Drexler is a winner of American and British Academy Awards, two Emmys (eight nominations), a Saturn Award, the Visual Effects Society Award, and a two-time Peabody recipient.

Born in New York City, he began his career as a protégé of legendary makeup artist Dick Smith. Drexler's makeup career culminated with the iconic pantheon of characters seen in Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy, after which he branched out into a variety of Hollywood disciplines. He is best known for his contributions to Star Trek.

Drexler has been a makeup artist, graphic designer, VFX artist, Illustrator, and starship designer. His credits include Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, and Picard. Drexler also served as VFX CG supervisor on Battlestar Galactica and a designer on Seth MacFarlane's The Orville.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougdrexler/

Abstract

PMs and DMs, The Great Improvisors

Do projects ever follow the first draft of a Project Plan?

PMs know how improvisation, pivoting, and quick thinking are all key in managing projects, but they aren’t the only ones who regularly use these skills. In Dungeons and Dragons, the Dungeon Master frequently utilizes these strategies as their campaigns twist and turn with adventure.

In this session, the audience will step into a D&D-style interactive session to dive into creative problem-solving as obstacles arise, and to explore how the intersection of psychology, sociology, and ludology can be used to foster psychologically safe environments for teams to collaborate and thrive.

Rocco Ricciardi

From his Bachelor’s in Game Design, to his career in the digital marketing, advertising, and consulting spaces, Rocco's career has revolved around one concept: excellent project management is the glue that brings it together.

Rocco’s career is dedicated to strategically bridging the gap between technology, people, and solutions, believing that clever problem-solving requires a blend of creativity and technicality. Rocco has served a number of reputable businesses in his career such as Disney, Uber, Samsung, American Red Cross, and Benjamin Moore.

Aside from the dayjob as a PM, Rocco enjoys a range of hobbies from carpentry, fencing, DJing, and gaming.

https://linkedin.com/in/rocco-ricciardi/

Abstract

The Science of Change: Rewiring Our Brains for Project Success

Our brains are wired with preset patterns that shape our habits and influence how we respond to change or disruptions. When faced with new situations (changes), we default to familiar emotional reactions, which drive our actions—these ingrained presets are embedded in our DNA.

What if we could intentionally rewire these patterns and choose smarter, more adaptive responses? What if we could break free from habitual reactions and create new pathways for successfully navigating the challenges of change? This presentation explores recognizing current patterns and considers that “disruptions: can be viewed as positive opportunities. Address these disruptions with emotional intelligence to reset these preset

Use the pre-Symposium survey to help shape Beth's presentation.

Beth Ouellette

Beth, PMI Fellow, CCO - Ouellette Group, works with global teams implementing value-added DA-approaches to Program and Project Management. Enabling OCM through initiatives strategy alignment, processes to implement strategies while discovering the best Way of Working.

She has global experience, with hands-on experience in many industries: Finance, Insurance, Retail, Utility, Telecom, Manufacturing, Pharma, Academia, Government Agencies, and US Military.

She’s presented at PMI’s LIM, National Congress, and Chapters (Poland, France, Sweeden, Montreal, Toronto, Peru, NJ, NY, OH, PA, and more), PMINJ Seminar@Sea, CIO Forum, IT World-Congress, Women in Technology, and others. She’s been published in Brazil, Canada, India and USA.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethouellette/

Abstract

Roles of the Scientist in NASA Project Management

Dr. Carpenter will discuss Project Management at NASA, from the perspective of a Scientist.

Although some scientists are bona-fide Managers in the traditional sense, most scientists at NASA assume management-type roles in two other ways. The first is as a Project Scientist, who advises and guides Project Managers to ensure that the scientific productivity of a mission is maximized within the known cost and schedule constraints. The second is as a Principal Investigator of a scientific research program or Mission Concept Development Study. He will draw on examples from his own career to illustrate how this leads to mission success.

Dr. Kenneth Carpenter

Dr. Kenneth Carpenter is the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Operations Project Scientist and the Ground Systems Scientist for the Roman Space Telescope (RST). He is part of the Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. He was the Principal Investigator for the Stellar Imager (SI) Vision Mission Study and the Fizeau Interferometer Testbed (FIT) technology development effort and in 2024 was named a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Fellow and is developing a concept for a lunar-surface variant of SI in conjunction with the Artemis Program, called the Artemis-enabled Stellar Imager (AeSI).

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-carpenter-962376115/

Abstract

Panel Discussion
The Future of Project Management

Abstract of the panel discussion

Judy Balaban

Brian Rothschild