Leading with Heart: My Journey as a PMI Philippines Volunteer
- Agnes Martinez
- Nov 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 29
Volunteering has always been close to my heart — it’s something I’ve been passionate about since I was young, and I’ve continued to find fulfillment in supporting meaningful initiatives ever since.
My name is Agnes Martinez, and I currently serve as the Membership Executive Committee Head, a role I took on in May 2025. I began my volunteer journey with the PMI Philippines Chapter last year as part of the Programs & Events Committee.
Since joining PMI in 2020, I’ve been actively involved in many of its activities. I remember telling a friend in 2023 that I wanted to volunteer for PMI Philippines — and as fate would have it, a call for new volunteers came the following year. I seized the opportunity and joined the Programs & Events Committee, where I could put my passion for organizing and planning into action. One of my proudest moments was being selected as one of the volunteers for the PMI Global Summit Series held in Manila in June 2025.
When I assumed the role of Membership Executive Committee Head, my first priority was to assign clear and meaningful tasks to each volunteer to ensure their time and efforts were purposeful. Following the Global Summit, I organized our first Volunteer Appreciation Night — a small but heartfelt gesture to celebrate the volunteers who are truly the heart of our organization.
I’ll admit, I was hesitant to accept the role since it was something entirely new to me. But I took on the challenge — and I’m deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees for their trust. Meeting the volunteers for the first time was overwhelming; everyone was so professional and accomplished. Over time, though, I realized how fortunate I am to be part of such a passionate, collaborative team. Their dedication and shared purpose continue to inspire me to learn and grow every day.
Change is inevitable in any organization. As a leader, I make it a point to stay flexible and adjust plans as situations evolve. I’ve learned that constant communication keeps teams aligned, and proper documentation ensures that everything remains organized and transparent — both essential ingredients for success.
It’s hard to believe it’s only been six months since I began leading the Membership Committee — and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together. From launching our monthly PMI Philippines Chapter Newsletter in July and expanding our social media presence, to hosting our biggest PM Happy Hour in October and introducing the New Volunteer Transition Program, it has been a truly rewarding journey of teamwork and growth.
Volunteering has taught me that true leadership comes from the heart. It’s about inspiring others, not instructing them. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but those moments reminded me to stay flexible, patient, and optimistic. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about moving forward with passion and a positive mindset, no matter the challenge.
My personal mantra has always been simple: “Do everything with passion and purpose. Stay positive, keep learning, and always keep an open mind.”
This journey has changed how I see leadership — it’s rooted in compassion, collaboration, and continuous growth. More than anything, it has inspired me to keep serving, learning, and leading with heart.
About the Author
Agnes Martinez is a seasoned PMO leader at a global telecomms company, with over 25 years of experience leading complex programs and driving operational excellence across diverse markets. A licensed Electronics Engineer and PMP® , she brings a rare blend of technical depth and strategic foresight to her work. As a local Ombuds leader, Agnes champions ethical leadership, fairness, and trust — values that earn her the respect of peers and colleagues alike.
Outside of work, Agnes brings the same enthusiasm to life’s adventures. A passionate traveler, Agnes finds joy in exploring cultures and perspectives that broaden her worldview. She’s also a devoted foodie, known for discovering local flavors and sharing them generously with friends and family — always savoring the stories behind the meal.
