PMI-LA Blogs

Danielle Benson has been part of the PMI Los Angeles volunteer community since January 2022, and her work as VP of Membership centers on one thing: helping people feel connected.

For Danielle, the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing members find real value in being part of PMI-LA. She enjoys creating spaces where people can share ideas, build relationships, and feel like they truly belong.

Creating a Stronger Sense of Community

Membership is about more than welcoming people into the chapter. Danielle sees it as an opportunity to create an environment where professionals can connect, grow, and learn from one another.

To her, belonging to PMI-LA means being part of a supportive professional community where members can exchange ideas, celebrate wins, and help each other navigate challenges. She describes the chapter as a professional home that continues to keep her inspired and evolving.

That sense of belonging is also what motivates her to continue giving back.

“Watching those relationships grow and knowing I helped make that happen is what keeps me motivated to give back.”

Leadership Starts With Listening

One philosophy Danielle carries into both volunteering and leadership is simple:

“Leadership starts with listening.”

For Danielle, listening is one of the most important ways to build trust and create stronger teams. Taking the time to understand people, whether during a project, meeting, or everyday conversation, creates better communication and stronger outcomes.

Her approach reflects the kind of community she wants members to experience at PMI-LA: one where people feel heard, supported, and encouraged to contribute.

Start by Showing Up

For professionals who are new to PMI-LA, Danielle encourages them to begin by getting involved, even in small ways.

“Volunteering is where you’ll meet people, learn new skills, and really feel connected to the community.”

She believes that the more members engage with the chapter, the more rewarding their experience becomes. Showing up can lead to new relationships, new skills, and a stronger connection to the broader project management community.

Growing Through Service

Danielle’s own volunteer experience has created meaningful professional and personal growth.

Through her involvement with PMI-LA, she has built lasting relationships, strengthened her leadership skills, and learned from other passionate professionals throughout the Los Angeles project management community. She also finds it rewarding to see the collective impact volunteers can make on the chapter and its members.

Danielle’s Project Management Tip

For Danielle, strong projects begin with clarity and alignment.

“Make sure everyone understands the goals, roles, and success measures before diving in. When a team shares the same vision, everything else flows more smoothly.”

Her advice is a reminder that taking the time to establish shared understanding early can help teams work together more effectively throughout the project.

Thank You, Danielle!

Thank you, Danielle, for the leadership, care, and commitment you bring to PMI Los Angeles.

Your work helps create a chapter where members can connect, grow, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. We are grateful for everything you do to strengthen our membership community and help make PMI-LA a professional home for project managers across Los Angeles.