12 July 2025 at 03:00PM
Volunteer Spotlight on Gabriela Pedroza
Our shining Volunteer Spotlight for the month of July is Gabriela Pedroza! Gabriela has been volunteering with PMI-Los Angeles for one year and is currently a volunteer for the Finance Committee.
Q&A with Gabriela
1. What aspects of your involvement in this chapter bring you the most satisfaction?
I take great satisfaction in contributing to the Finance team by streamlining operations and learning new software such as QuickBooks and Zoho. I enjoy enhancing processes to make financial management more efficient, and I appreciate the opportunity to meaningfully apply my analytical and project management skills. Collaborating with fellow volunteers who share a passion for making a positive impact in the chapter is also fulfilling.
2. Considering your experience, what guidance would you offer to newcomers joining the chapter?
I joined this chapter in April 2024 to learn more about the project management field. I attended webinars, volunteered at the PMI Global Summit held in LA, and have been a volunteer with the Finance team since last summer. Connecting with peers and collaborating as a team while enhancing my skills and knowledge is an experience that you can only find when you take the initiative. You contribute your experience, enthusiasm, and time, and you are sure to gain something in return.
3. How do you personally define the significance of belonging to this professional community?
Foundational. As someone pivoting to this field, I felt anxious about the process. As a woman from STEM, how could I demonstrate that I had the skills to become a project manager? I didn't know many people who even understood this job existed, let alone how to approach this pivot. When I joined the chapter and engaged with various aspects, I found acceptance and curiosity about my pivot. My mindset shifted from "Do I belong here?" to "How can I become a better project professional?" Belonging to this professional community wasn't just a nice-to-have or a checkbox on a list; it provided me with a foundational level of acceptance to build this knowledge set.
4. Do you have a personal quote or philosophy you would like to share?
"Chemistry is change and change is the core of your belief system. Which is good because that's what we need more of - people who refuse to accept the status quo, who aren't afraid to take on the unacceptable." Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry
"Whenever you start doubting yourself, whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change and change is what we're chemically designed to do." Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry
