Building Spaces of Belonging: A Journey in Global Projects and Inclusion
- Lester Alejandro
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
"Inclusion is when you can join a conversation without feeling like you have to adjust who you are just to fit in. "
At this point in his journey, Dennis L. Narte, RCE, PMP, describes himself as more grounded, more intentional, and more confident in how he shows up. As a Strategic Projects Implementation Associate for Global Project Execution at Arcadis, Dennis operates on a global scale, collaborating with colleagues across different countries and cultures. This June, as we celebrate Pride Month, the PMI Philippines Chapter sits down with Dennis to discuss his professional evolution, the human side of project management, and the power of creating spaces where everyone truly belongs.
Bringing Order to Complexity
Dennis was initially drawn to project management because he enjoys bringing order to complexity and seeing things come together. Over time, however, his focus has shifted.
“Working with people from different nationalities has really shown me how diverse perspectives can lead to better ideas, but only when everyone feels safe to contribute."
The True Meaning of Inclusion and Diversity
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Dennis is now more comfortable being himself in any space. "I’m still evolving, but I no longer feel like I must hide parts of who I am," he says. This personal clarity deeply influences how he views team dynamics.
For Dennis, inclusion is straightforward: "It is when you can join a conversation without feeling like you have to adjust who you are just to fit in."
"You don’t have to be the loudest in the room to be valid, and your story doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to matter."
Working with professionals from various nationalities has shown him that diverse perspectives lead to better ideas, but this is only possible when everyone feels safe to contribute. When people feel respected and heard, he notes, collaboration becomes more natural, and the results are stronger.
His personal journey has shaped his leadership style, making him acutely aware that everyone brings a different context into their work. "Now that I collaborate with people from different countries, I’ve become more intentional in listening, in clarifying expectations, and in making sure communication is inclusive and clear." His goal is always to create an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up, regardless of their background or where they are based.
Visibility, Connection, and Pride
Pride Month is deeply significant for Dennis, serving as a space for visibility, awareness, and acceptance. It is a time to celebrate the identity and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community, while also acting as a reminder of the ongoing work needed for equality and respect.
Having attended Pride parades both as a performer and as part of the crowd, he finds unique meaning in both experiences. "As a performer, there’s a sense of confidence and freedom in expressing yourself openly. As part of the crowd, it becomes more reflective, you get to see the diversity of stories, identities, and journeys around you." Ultimately, these experiences reinforce that Pride is not just about celebration; it is about connection, continuing conversations, and feeling that you truly belong.
These reflections naturally extend into his project management approach. Dennis highlights three core lessons from his journey: authenticity, empathy, and resilience. When people feel safe to be authentic, they bring more value to the team. Empathy allows leaders to understand different experiences, while resilience is essential because both personal growth and project success take time, patience, and consistency.
Growing with the PMI Community
Since joining the PMI Philippines Chapter in 2024, Dennis has been actively involved in the volunteering program. This involvement immersed him in a community of professionals from different backgrounds, allowing him to connect, learn, and collaborate with individuals who share a passion for growth.
"It helped me develop not just professionally, but also in how I value inclusion and community, creating spaces where different perspectives are respected, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute," he explains.
If he had to describe his journey so far in three words, Dennis chooses: Evolving, Connected, and Resilient. He is continuously learning, connected to people from distinct cultures, and shaped by the challenges that help him move forward today.
Finding Authentic Growth
As we reflect on Pride Month, Dennis offers an encouraging reminder to his fellow project managers and community members: growth does not always come in big, visible changes.
"You don’t have to have everything figured out to move forward," he advises. "There were moments in my own journey where things felt uncertain, and I questioned where I was going or how I fit in, both personally and professionally. Sometimes growth is quiet, gradual, and even uncomfortable, and that’s okay."
What matters most, he emphasizes, is continuing to show up at your own pace. Belonging is built through small, everyday actions—how we include others, acknowledge their ideas, and make them feel seen.
"And when you reach a place where you feel more secure in who you are, try to pass that on. Create space for others. Be someone who listens, who respects, and who makes people feel seen. Because at the end of the day, Pride is not just about celebrating who we are, it’s also about building a community where others feel safe to do the same."
