2024 - Volunteer Recognition Awards

2024 Volunteer Recognition Awards

We had a great turnout for the Volunteer Appreciation Event held recently at the Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach. We had plenty of time for networking, as well as good food and drinks. We honored our volunteers, handed out gifts, and presented some special awards for 2024:

• 3 Individual Awards: Angelo Salazar, Tracy Bader, Barbara Cooke
• 1 Team Award: 50th Anniversary Task Force
• Charlie Lopinsky Award: Faye Wu

Individual Volunteer Award: Angelo Salazar

Angelo has been instrumental in many chapter projects this year.

He has volunteered with Global, Social Impact, the PMO team, government outreach, and remains a steadfast presence at in-person events and strategic meetings.

Angelo consistently delivers on time, with detailed contributions that have played a key role in the success of numerous events this year. His dedication spans multiple projects, teams, and activities, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and his value as an asset to the chapter.

Always welcoming and approachable, Angelo has unofficially taken on the role of ambassador at every event he attends. Initially, we thought Angelo was a volunteer for OPS, then PMO, then Technology—but he also shows up at Membership and Programs events! He truly embodies the spirit of a great chapter ambassador, contributing in any way he can to propel the chapter forward.

Congratulations Angelo and thank you for going above and beyond to support the Chapter!

Individual Volunteer Award: Tracy Bader

Tracy has been a dedicated Marketing volunteer for over five years. This year, she stepped up to manage the campaign tracker, ensuring the team, which includes several new members, stays organized and on top of their campaigns.

When a new volunteer initially took over the scrolling presentations but stepped down after just two weeks, Tracy seamlessly resumed the responsibility. Her steadfastness and strong project management skills have been instrumental in keeping the Marketing team on track with weekly tasks and deliverables.

In addition to her organizational contributions, Tracy has played a key role in maintaining alignment with PMI’s branding guidelines and ensuring the chapter’s master PowerPoint template remains up to standard.

Tracy is also an active participant in in-person functions, consistently pitching in wherever her help is needed.

Congratulations Tracy and thank you for going above and beyond to support the Chapter!

Special Recognition Award: Barbara Cooke

Barb has been a long-time Trustee and dedicated member of the Chapter, serving in various leadership positions. In the past couple of years, she has gone “above and beyond” the typical Trustee role, demonstrating exceptional commitment and leadership.

Some of Barb’s notable contributions include:

• Providing outstanding leadership in organizing the Global Summit and Leadership Institute Meeting.
• Leading the PMI HQ team in setting up a comprehensive volunteer database.
• Collaborating with PMI HQ to refine volunteer processes and procedures.
• Drafting and organizing volunteer recruitment emails.
• Actively recruiting a large number of volunteers for the Global Summit and Leadership Institute Meeting events.
• Ensuring all processes were functioning smoothly and that volunteers were available when needed.

Barb’s dedication and hands-on approach have been instrumental in the success of these initiatives, showcasing her ability to lead and inspire others.

Congratulations Barb and thank you for going above and beyond to support the Chapter!

Special Recognition Team Award: 50th Anniversary Task Force

Meeta Autrey, David Doan, Sean Kennedy, Simon Twu, Steve Marlin, Svetlana Averbukh, Ida Harding, Deby Covey, James Jackson, Amelia Mochny, Britt Scholnick, Edmund Martinez, Mariana Michelino, Michelle Covey, Patti Myhre, Pierre Vernet, Rose Otowo, Vick Madenian

The LA Chapter is one of only 4 Chapters to reach a 50th Anniversary! It took many months of planning and collaboration to bring this event together at Universal Studios Hollywood. Everything from contract negotiations (to get a good price for a family park day ticket, discount parking, and formal dinner), to logistics & volunteers with special text messaging to keep those on the registration desk at the entrance in touch with the team at one of the sound studios. Videos were recorded ahead of time by key volunteers and incorporated into the evening event. In addition to LA Chapter members, there were other Chapters represented at the event, and PMI Global attendees (the PMI President had to cancel at short notice due to a family issue, but his place was taken by his deputy in a seamless transition). There was also a lovely keepsake program booklet for each attendee detailing 50 years of the LA Chapter and its history. All the participants had a great time.

The LA Chapter is always striving for something bigger and better than the last anniversary celebration (5 years ago). It took a small but mighty team to accomplish this major feat! Congratulations and thanks to all of you for going above and beyond and making this a historic year for the LA Chapter!

Charlie Lopinsky Volunteer of the Year Award: Faye Wu

Faye Wu's significant contributions to the PMI-LA Chapter earned her the Charlie Lopinsky Volunteer of the Year Award. She actively contributed to both Marketing and Operations, demonstrating versatility and commitment. Faye consistently delivered high-quality work, exceeding expectations. Her contributions included the DEIAB Member Survey, Volunteer Toolkit, Leadership Development Program materials, and the 2025 Organization Chart. Faye possesses a strong analytical approach, consistently seeking ways to optimize and sustain programs. Her collaborative spirit fosters a positive and productive environment. Faye consistently ensures her work aligns with PMI-LA's mission, goals, and priorities. Beyond her core roles, Faye actively participates in PMI-LA events and volunteered for the PMI 2024 Global Summit. Her dedication and achievements exemplify the PMI Culture Values.  

Faye’s impact is evident in her multifaceted involvement:

• Dual Volunteer Roles: Faye actively contributes to both the Marketing and Operations teams, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to PMI-LA's success.
• Exemplary Deliverables: Faye consistently delivers high-quality work, exceeding expectations in terms of detail and timeliness.
• Strategic and Analytical Mindset: Faye possesses a strong analytical approach, consistently seeking ways to optimize and sustain programs like the Leadership Development Program.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Faye’s "can-do" attitude and collaborative spirit inspire those around her.
• Alignment with PMI-LA’s Mission: Faye consistently ensures her work aligns with PMI-LA's mission, goals, and priorities.
• Active Engagement: Beyond her core volunteer roles, Faye actively participates in PMI-LA events, including the 50th Anniversary Celebration, and even volunteered for the PMI 2024 Global Summit, demonstrating her commitment to the broader PMI community.

Congratulations Faye and thank you for going above and beyond to support the Chapter!