April 01 2026 at 08:00AM
Leadership Through Strategy, Commitment, and Calm: A Conversation with Mona Mustafa
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As part of our ongoing efforts to learn from and celebrate our board members, we had the opportunity to speak with Mona Mustafa about her journey with the PMI San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, her contributions, and her reflections as she transitions from her board role.
A Journey That Started with Curiosity
Mona’s journey with PMI San Francisco began during her graduate studies in project management. Through the Golden Gate student club, she became actively engaged with the chapter—attending events and building connections within the community.
Encouraged by former chapter president Lori, whose enthusiasm and commitment left a strong impression, Mona decided to take the next step and join the Board of Directors.
From Operations to Strategy
One of Mona’s most meaningful takeaways from her board experience was the shift from an operational mindset to a strategic one.
“Being on the board helped me step back and think more about vision and long-term impact, rather than just execution,” she shared.
This transition strengthened her leadership capabilities and gave her a broader perspective on how organizations create value.
A Culture of Commitment and Impact
During her tenure, the chapter achieved a significant milestone—winning two PMI Global Awards.
Mona attributes this success to the culture of commitment within the chapter:
“People are here because they want to contribute and make a difference. Even as volunteers, there’s a strong desire to add value—and that’s what drives success.”
Lessons in Leadership: Managing Conflict and Change
Among the many lessons learned, one stood out the most: conflict management.
Working with diverse perspectives is both a strength and a challenge. Mona highlighted the importance of navigating differences, reaching alignment, and managing change effectively—especially when introducing new ideas.
“These challenges are natural in any organization, but learning how to manage them is key to growth.”
The Importance of Strategic Awareness
Reflecting on her experience, Mona emphasized the value of understanding the strategic role of a board.
She noted that training—such as the “brown dog” session—provided critical insights into governance and helped clarify the distinction between strategic direction and operational execution.
“For many of us coming from operational roles, this perspective is not always obvious—but it’s essential.”
Membership as a Gateway to Growth
For Mona, PMI membership represents more than just affiliation—it’s a gateway to continuous professional development.
“It’s about learning, staying current, and growing within a strong professional community.”
Her advice to incoming board members is clear:
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Focus on adding value
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Embrace change
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Continuously seek improvement
“A chapter should never remain static—it should always evolve.”
Looking Ahead: Elevating Engagement
When asked about future opportunities, Mona highlighted member engagement as a key area for growth.
She encouraged the chapter to think creatively about events:
“We need to make events more engaging, more dynamic, and more fun—so people are excited to attend and participate.”
A Community That Inspires
Mona expressed deep appreciation for the people she worked with, recognizing the knowledge, experience, and dedication across the board.
Her message to the community is one of impact and inspiration:
“Make a difference. Be an inspiration to others. And support the next generation—programs like mentoring are incredibly valuable for growth and development.”
A Personal Note on Leadership
In reflecting on Mona’s impact, one moment stands out.
During the Annual General Meeting, amid a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, Mona’s calm and grounded presence provided a sense of stability.
Without needing many words, she demonstrated a powerful leadership lesson—that sometimes, the most effective way to lead is simply to be calm, present, and centered.
Thank You, Mona
We are grateful for Mona’s contributions to the PMI San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. Her leadership, insight, and presence have left a lasting impact.
PMI will always benefit from leaders like Mona, and our doors remain open to welcome her back—whether through future events or leadership opportunities.
We wish her continued success in her journey and look forward to staying connected.
