The Inaugural Women in Project Management Summit — A Game Changer for Women in Project Management.
The inaugural Women in Project Management Summit 2025, held on Friday, August 29, 2025, was a game changer for the industry. Women in Project Management can now look forward to a series of events dedicated to their empowerment and career growth.
This one-day summit offered a powerful mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive workshops aimed at elevating the conversation beyond traditional project delivery to focus on leadership, health and well-being, career growth, resilience, and strategic value creation.
Dimakatso Masiteng C-CIO(SA), CIO — National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
Delivered an insightful presentation highlighting how leaders with high emotional intelligence foster psychological safety, leading to more innovative teams. The event kicked off with an emphasis on the "human factor" in project management.
Candice Johnsen, Health and Wellness Coach
Spoke about how poor health negatively impacts focus and decision-making, while a project manager's well-being directly influences team morale and project outcomes.
Pauline Sehlabela (MBA), PMO Head
Argued that future organisations will demand PMOs that create measurable business value, not just completion of projects. She challenged leaders to shift their focus from running projects to "adding value".
Nicolyn Steyn, Senior Manager EPMO — MTN South Africa
Defined communication as the process of one person sending a message that another person must translate into information. She likened this to a "Kitchen," emphasising the need to adapt one's style to the audience and highlighting the importance of listening and non-verbal cues.
Dr. Nomonde Nyameka Ngxola
Discussed how digital transformation involves strategy, organisation, culture, technology, people, and customers. Emphasised that successful change requires both a "technical side" managed by project management and a "people side" managed by change management.
Rene Grobler & Tshepiso Mollo shared insights on navigating and succeeding in industries where men have traditionally dominated.
Nicolyn Steyn & Sisanda Mavuso offered guidance on developing a genuine and effective leadership presence.
Nozizwe Moloko & Dimakatso Masiteng explored the challenges and strategies for successfully transitioning into leadership roles.
Career Coach Elise McCabe delivered an interactive workshop equipping attendees with tools to plan and take control of their career journeys.
C-CIO(SA), CIO — National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
"The Critical Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership"
Health and Wellness Coach
"The Effect of Poor Health on Stress Resilience"
PMO Head
"The Evolution of the PMO: Building a Value Management Office That Delivers Impact"
Senior Manager, EPMO — MTN South Africa
"The Importance of Communication in Project Management"
Digital Transformation Expert
"Digital Transformation: Strategy, Organization, Culture, Technology, People and Customers"
Career Coach
"Workshop: Crafting Your Career Strategy"
Panelist
"Breaking Barriers: Thriving in Male-Dominated Industries"
Panelist
"Breaking Barriers: Thriving in Male-Dominated Industries"
Panelist
"Building Your Authentic Leadership Style"
Panelist
"Managing Career Transitions: From Contributor to Leader"
We would like to thank our sponsors Motherkind Co and Elizabeth Arden for believing in this vision.
Keynote Session
Award Ceremony
Workshop Highlights
Panel Discussion
Networking Session
Networking & Closing
Planning is already underway for the Women in Project Management Summit 2026. Secure your spot now.