Archana Choudhary Champions Project Catalyst at PMI Northeast Florida Chapter

Thank you so much! I’m truly honored to be recognized by the award program — it's a meaningful milestone in my professional journey.

I serve as a PMO Lead in the IT sector, where I oversee strategic programs and enable cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact technology solutions. My role involves driving project excellence through governance, agile practices, and people-first leadership. Beyond the tactical side, I champion a culture of continuous improvement, mentoring, and innovation within my organization.

In addition to my core responsibilities, I hold a leadership position as VP of Strategic Partnerships for the PMI Northeast Florida Chapter, where I foster collaborations with sponsors and contribute to the professional development of our project management community.

My work spans both business strategy and delivery execution — from modernizing infrastructure and leading Agile transformations to empowering teams to thrive in dynamic environments. What energizes me most is using project management not just as a function, but as a catalyst for positive change.

When I first learned about the win, I was overwhelmed with a mix of gratitude, pride, and reflection. It’s not just about the recognition itself—it’s about what it represents: the long hours, the quiet resilience, and the drive to create value while lifting others along the way.

Professionally, this award affirms that the work I do—whether it’s leading Agile transformations, building high-performing teams, or driving strategic programs—matters beyond the metrics. It tells me that impact is being seen, and that fuels my motivation to keep going, keep innovating, and keep empowering.

Personally, it’s a moment of pause and appreciation. As a woman in business, especially in the technology and project management space, this recognition validates the journey and the voice I’ve been building. It also reminds me how important it is to hold the door open for others, to mentor the next generation, and to lead with purpose and authenticity.

This award is not the destination—it’s a milestone that inspires even greater commitment to the work and the communities I serve.

What inspired me to submit my entry was a moment of reflection — not just on what I’ve accomplished, but on how far I’ve come and the impact I’ve had on people, teams, and the organizations I’ve served.

I realized that sharing my story wasn’t about self-promotion; it was about representation, visibility, and celebrating the power of purpose-driven leadership in project and transformation work. What gave me confidence in my submission was the genuine narrative I presented. I didn’t just list achievements — I shared real stories:

- Leading an Agile transformation in a traditionally structured infrastructure environment.

- Building human-centered PMO practices that empowered teams to innovate and deliver value faster.

- Volunteering to uplift the project management profession through mentoring and community leadership.

I highlighted how I blend strategy with empathy, structure with adaptability, and how I approach every challenge as an opportunity to lead with integrity. I believe those human elements, paired with measurable outcomes, made the story resonate.

Ultimately, I knew I was putting forward a story of quiet strength, impact, and leadership that reflects many women in business today—and I hoped it would stand out for exactly that reason.

Yes, there was a pivotal moment that truly shaped the course of my career — leading an enterprise-wide Agile transformation within a traditionally structured infrastructure organization. At the time, I was tasked with driving change in an environment that was deeply rooted in waterfall delivery models, where agility was seen more as a buzzword than a viable path forward.

The turning point came when I realized that success wasn’t just about adopting Agile frameworks — it was about changing mindsets, building trust, and creating psychological safety across teams. I had to step beyond process and deeply engage with people: listening, coaching, and championing human-centered leadership at every level.

That experience taught me how to lead through uncertainty, influence without authority, and align delivery with strategic vision. It challenged and refined my leadership style — and ultimately transformed me from a project manager into a change catalyst.

That transformation laid the foundation for everything that followed — whether it was earning leadership roles, mentoring others, or being recognized by platforms like the TITAN Women In Business Awards. It wasn’t just a career milestone — it was the moment I fully stepped into my purpose as a leader.

Absolutely — the journey to this point wasn’t without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles I faced was navigating resistance to change during a large-scale transformation. Whether it was implementing Agile in a traditional infrastructure environment or shifting the role of the PMO from a governance body to a strategic partner, there was often skepticism, fear of the unknown, and inertia built into existing ways of working.

Overcoming this wasn’t about enforcing change — it was about building relationships, listening with empathy, and earning trust. I focused on aligning change with people’s values and goals, highlighting how the shift would benefit not just the organization, but them as individuals and professionals.

I also invested heavily in coaching and micro-mentoring, helping team members and leaders alike navigate new ways of working. This collaborative approach created ownership and momentum across the board. And when things didn’t go as planned — which they often didn’t — we practiced radical transparency, learned quickly, and iterated together.

What made all the difference was the mindset of shared success. It wasn’t just my journey — it was a collective one, and it reinforced my belief that resilient teams, grounded in trust and purpose, can overcome just about anything.

You’re absolutely right — winning this award isn’t the finish line, it’s a platform to amplify impact.

Professionally, I plan to use this recognition to strengthen my voice as a thought leader in project and transformation management. It reinforces my credibility when championing human-centric leadership, Agile delivery, and PMO innovation—both within my organization and through broader industry collaborations. It opens doors for more speaking engagements, publications, and partnerships that align with my mission to evolve how we lead change in business and technology.

Equally important, I see this as an opportunity to inspire and elevate others, especially emerging women leaders and project professionals. I’ll continue mentoring, volunteering through PMI, and advocating for inclusive growth cultures. If my story helps even one person believe they belong at the table—or better yet, build their own—I’ll consider it a success.

In essence, this award is fuel. It pushes me to dream bigger, lead bolder, and continue building a career that not only delivers outcomes—but leaves a legacy.

Participating in awards like the TITAN Women In Business Awards is an incredibly powerful learning experience — not just because of the outcome, but because of the introspection and clarity the process demands.

The greatest benefit, in my view, is that it gives you a chance to pause and reflect on your journey—to recognize the milestones, lessons, and impact you may have overlooked while moving from one goal to the next. Crafting the submission forced me to articulate my value, own my narrative, and celebrate both the achievements and the growth that came with challenges.

It’s also a reminder that sharing your story matters. When you step into the light, you make space for others to do the same. You contribute to a collective narrative that expands what's possible for women and leaders in your industry.

Lastly, competitions like this connect you to a global community of inspiring peers—women who are raising the bar across every sector. That kind of energy is contagious, and it keeps you learning, evolving, and striving for more.

Absolutely. While this award recognizes individual achievement, it truly reflects the collective strength and support of the people around me.

I’m especially grateful to my core team, who consistently brought their best to every challenge we faced together. Their adaptability, trust, and commitment to excellence made it possible to drive real transformation and deliver high-impact results.

I’ve always believed that leadership is less about having the answers and more about creating the environment where others can thrive — and they embraced that with heart and purpose.

I also want to acknowledge the support of my mentors and sponsors, both inside and outside the organization, who encouraged me to step forward and own my voice, even when I hesitated. This recognition is for all of us — a reminder that shared success is the most meaningful kind.

The business and technology landscape is evolving at a pace we’ve never seen before — and project management is right at the center of that transformation. A few key trends I see shaping the future of our industry include:

- Human-Centered Leadership and Skills: Technical tools will evolve, but the demand for empathy, resilience, and adaptive leadership is only growing. I’m focused on mentoring future-ready leaders who can navigate ambiguity and lead through change with emotional intelligence.

- Hybrid and Agile-At-Scale Models: As organizations move toward hybrid delivery approaches, we’re evolving our frameworks to blend structure with flexibility—balancing governance with the agility teams need to innovate quickly.

- Cyber Resilience and Risk Awareness: With increased reliance on digital infrastructure, proactive risk management and cyber resilience are becoming core competencies. I’m currently evaluating emerging solutions like cyber vaulting and intelligent risk heatmaps to support organizational readiness.

To prepare, we’re not only adopting new tools—we’re also cultivating a mindset of continuous learning, curiosity, and experimentation. Change is no longer episodic; it’s constant. And that means our people, processes, and platforms must be future-ready at every level.

Looking back, I’d tell my younger self — and anyone just starting out in this industry — that your voice matters, even before you feel ready.

It’s easy to wait for permission or perfection before stepping forward. But growth comes from showing up, asking questions, and saying yes to opportunities that stretch you. Don’t underestimate the power of curiosity, consistency, and courage.

I’d also emphasize the importance of building relationships and communities early on. Success in this field isn’t just about what you deliver — it’s about how you connect, collaborate, and elevate others along the way. Find mentors, be a mentor, and surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.

Lastly, I’d remind myself that it’s okay to lead differently. You don’t have to fit a mold to succeed. Human-centric leadership, empathy, and authenticity are not soft skills — they are strategic strengths. Lean into them. Because in the end, it’s not just about managing projects — it’s about leading people through change and creating value that lasts.

My biggest advice is this: don’t just tell what you did — show why it mattered. A strong submission is not a résumé; it’s a story of impact.

Start by reflecting deeply on your journey — the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the ripple effects of your work. Be specific about outcomes, but also connect them to your values, leadership style, and the way you made others better through the process. That’s what makes your submission authentic and memorable.

Here are a few key tips:

1. Anchor your story in real results — quantitative and qualitative. Metrics are powerful, but so is the human impact.

2. Be bold but honest. It’s okay to talk about setbacks — what matters is how you responded and grew.

3. Tailor your narrative to the award’s criteria. Show that you understand what excellence looks like in that context.

4. Don’t downplay your journey. Especially for women and emerging leaders — your contributions, even if not headline-grabbing, have value. Own them.

Submitting is not just about recognition — it’s a powerful exercise in self-leadership and visibility. So trust your story, tell it with clarity and heart, and go for it.

This recognition has given me a renewed sense of purpose — and I’m channeling that momentum into several exciting initiatives.

Professionally, I’m focused on expanding my impact in enterprise transformation and strategic PMO leadership. We’re piloting new frameworks around project health checks, AI-driven insights, and risk heatmaps, and I’m excited to share those learnings with the broader industry through speaking opportunities, writing, and collaboration.

On the community front, I’m continuing my work as VP of Strategic Partnerships at PMI Northeast Florida, where we’re building stronger connections between businesses and project professionals, creating platforms for mentorship, and driving new sponsorship models that add real value.

Personally, I’m passionate about launching a micro-mentoring initiative for early-career professionals and aspiring women leaders in tech and project management. I truly believe small, intentional conversations can unlock big transformations. The future is full of possibility, and I see this award as not just a celebration of past efforts — but as a springboard to lead bigger, collaborate wider, and inspire deeper.

If there’s one message I’d love to leave with the business community, it’s this: you don’t have to choose between delivering outcomes and leading with heart. The future of business belongs to those who can do both — who balance strategy with empathy, who prioritize people while driving performance, and who lead not just to manage, but to inspire.

I also want to remind others that visibility matters — especially for women and underrepresented voices. Share your story, even if it feels unfinished. Apply for the opportunity, even if you’re unsure. Because every time you step forward, you’re not just advancing your own path — you’re lighting the way for someone else.

This award is a beautiful milestone, but it’s also a reflection of a collective journey — of every mentor, team, and community that’s believed in me. I hope to pay that forward by continuing to build spaces where people feel empowered to lead boldly, innovate freely, and rise together.