Empowered- Vol 33/ 2025 : March 2025
Women PowerUP Network - Admin
A global network of individuals where we believe everyone has some unique skill. We just PowerUP!
March 5, 2025
Women PowerUP Network - Admin
Who we are?
A global network of individuals where we believe everyone has some unique skill. We just PowerUP!
We consist of a group of passionate individuals (of all genders) who are positive, with make-it-happen and lead-by-example attitudes. A peer-to-peer network to support and PowerUP each other! Do I need to be an expert to be a part of this group? NO. We just need to be good enough. Good enough to own up to our limitations, be willing to respond to others, and be social and acceptable.
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK: Shiwanthika De Costa , B.A , PMP
Dear Readers,
As we step into March, we celebrate International Women’s Day, a time to honor the resilience, leadership, and achievements of women around the world. This month, "Empowered" brings you stories that inspire, empower, and ignite your inner strength.
Ignite Your Inner Power – Leadership expert Cecilia Boggi shares powerful insights on self-empowerment and breaking barriers.
POPCORN WITH INSPIRATION: Young Woman and The Sea (2024) – A moving tale of perseverance, perfect for this month’s theme of strength and courage.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Meet Priscila Z. Vendramini Mezzena, a leader making a difference in her field.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Unlocking the Opportunity – Elise Stevens explores how embracing opportunities can transform careers and leadership journeys.
UPCOMING POWER CONNECT: Ignite Your Inner Power: I Am Remarkable – A must-attend workshop designed to empower everyone to boost their confidence in self-promotion and to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond, while challenging the social perception around self-promotion.?
This International Women’s Day, let’s commit to supporting and celebrating each other, recognizing the power we hold to create change. Here’s to strong women—may we continue to lead, inspire, and thrive!
LEADER'S SPEAK by Cecilia Boggi
Ignite Your Inner Power
When I started my professional career, I had the opportunity to participate in the execution of a major project for a public organization in my country. However, I quickly encountered an unexpected challenge—I struggled to speak in meetings with key stakeholders. I would even say I was paralyzed, unable to express my thoughts clearly. Instead, I relied on a colleague to communicate our progress and address project-related issues.
The most surprising part? I was fully informed, I knew exactly what needed to be said, and I had the answers to every question asked. My struggle wasn’t due to a lack of knowledge—it was the fear of speaking in public.
I began to question why this was happening to me and realized that if I didn’t overcome this challenge, my career progression would be severely limited.
This experience is just one example of the barriers many women face—barriers that often prevent us from excelling in our professions and achieving our dreams. Low self-esteem, insecurity, and the pressure of professional perfectionism are just a few of the challenges we encounter. In my case, I took of an unexpected opportunity: an invitation to teach at a university. Despite my fear of speaking in front of senior students, I accepted the challenge. I prepared extensively to build my confidence and managed my nerves as best I could.
That decision changed everything. Teaching led to more opportunities—other universities, corporate training, international conferences. And today, speaking in front of an audience feels natural.
But what if I had never stepped out of my comfort zone? How would my career have unfolded? Without a doubt, everything would have been very different.
This experience, along with many others, has led me to reflect deeply:
My Advice for Women Facing Similar Challenges
If you are struggling with self-doubt or fear, here are six powerful steps to help you ignite your inner power:
1. Know Yourself
Understand your dreams, interests, strengths, and areas for growth. Self-awareness is the foundation of confidence. Work with discipline to enhance your skills, and above all, trust in your potential!
2. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
The comfort zone feels safe, but it also keeps us stagnant. Every time you challenge yourself and step into the unknown, you prove to yourself that you are stronger than you thought. Growth happens in those moments of discomfort.
3. Conquer Fear
Fear is natural. The key is not to let it paralyze you. Instead, see it as a signal that you are stepping into growth. Acknowledge it, face it, and push through.
4. Cultivate Self-Confidence
Self-confidence is built step by step. Every small victory strengthens it. Celebrate your achievements, learn from your mistakes, and remember —you don’t need to be perfect to be capable. True confidence comes from knowing that, no matter what happens, you have the strength to rise again.
5. Surround Yourself with Strong Women
The women in your life—friends, family, mentors—can help you see your own brilliance. Lean on them, learn from their journeys, and, in turn, be a source of support for others. Together, we create an unbreakable network that can transform the world.
6. Ignite Your Inner Power
That spark within you—the force that helps you rise after a fall, stand firm in your beliefs, and shine even in the darkest moments—is you r inner power. Nurture it, protect it, and let it illuminate everything you do.
When a woman ignites her inner power, she doesn’t just transform her own life—she inspires others to do the same. And that is how revolutions begin.
Light your flame and shine!
MY REMARKABLE STORY : Lifting Others to Rise - Lakmali Jayaweera
The theme "Remarkable and Rising" resonates deeply with me, as I believe we achieve true growth by lifting others up. My journey has been remarkable because I chose to step out of my comfort zone, explore new avenues, and empower others — knowing that in doing so, I too would rise.
As a health manager and medical director of the third-largest hospital in Sri Lanka, I serve approximately 4,500 internal clients (staff) and around 4,000 external clients daily. My role has given me invaluable opportunities to mentor, volunteer, and drive capacity-building initiatives that have shaped my personal and professional growth.
Transforming Patient Care and Empowering Youth
Beyond managing hospital operations as Deputy Director, I have initiated several programs to enhance patient experience and community well-being. One such initiative was a meal-serving program for all in-ward patients, designed in collaboration with donors to provide tasty, nutritious meals presented in a pleasing manner. This program not only became immensely popular among patients but also significantly reduced food wastage and out-of-pocket expenses for families.
Recognizing the need for skilled healthcare workers, we partnered with the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission to launch a training program for school leavers. Through this initiative, trainees earn internationally recognized certifications in caregiving (National Vocational Standards 3 & 4), volunteer at our hospital, and secure employment both locally and abroad. This effort contributes to human capital development while ensuring a competent and skilled workforce for the future. I take great pride in being a key sponsor of this program and in the positive change we continue to create in the lives of young individuals.
Building Capacity Within the Hospital and Community
Our hospital remains committed to human capital development, both internally and within the wider community. Training employees and community members in first aid and basic life support ensures a pool of skilled first responders ready to act in emergencies.
Additionally, I actively mentor middle-level managers while embracing opportunities to be mentored myself. Hospitals are vast learning environments where one interacts with thousands of individuals daily, and I firmly believe that continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth.
Volunteering at hospitals also fosters essential skills such as communication, empathy, and crisis management. We have launched programs for foreign medical, nursing, and paramedical students to volunteer at our hospital, and through mentoring them, I have gained invaluable insights into diverse healthcare systems and global health challenges.
Stepping Beyond Boundaries
One can choose to simply fulfill the objectives assigned within their job description— there is nothing wrong with that. However, when we venture beyond our defined roles and step outside our comfort zones, we discover a world of limitless possibilities. I was fortunate to explore that world through volunteering, mentoring, and being mentored.
Conclusion
My work itself has provided opportunities for volunteering and mentorship, both of which have been instrumental in shaping me into a more remarkable individual. These experiences have strengthened my leadership abilities, expanded my professional network, and deepened my knowledge. More importantly, they have instilled in me a spirit of service and a profound understanding that true growth comes from lifting others.
By continuously giving back to the community, I not only contribute to the betterment of others but also evolve into a better version of myself each day. My journey is remarkable because I chose not to simply follow my job description, but to embrace the opportunities beyond it—enriching my life in ways that words cannot fully express.
POPCORN WITH INSPIRATION: Young Woman and The Sea (2024) - By Priscila Z. Vendramini Mezzena, PMP, PMI-ACP, MBA, CSM
Get inspired while having fun by watching true stories of women who thrived in challenging circumstances!
This month's featured movie, Young Woman and The Sea (2024), tells the incredible story of Gertrude Ederle.
Born in 1905, Ederle discovered her passion for swimming early. She joined the Women's Swimming Association (WSA) at just twelve. At a time when women's rights were limited, the WSA played a crucial role in promoting female athletes. In 1925, Gertrude turned professional, and in 1926, she shattered expectations by being the first woman to complete the English Channel swim—an achievement previously only accomplished by men. She was also an Olympic champion and a world record holder in five events.
Beyond breaking records, Ederle overcame significant hearing loss due to childhood measles. Instead of letting it hold her back, she used her experience to train and inspire deaf children.
Her story is a powerful reminder that resilience and courage can break barriers. How can her journey inspire action in your own life?
·???????? Pursue your passion – What excites you, even if the world says otherwise? Prioritize it.
·???????? Challenge limitations – Push past self-doubt and societal norms. What's one step you can take today?
·???????? ?Lift other women – Who in your circle could use your support, encouragement, or mentorship?
·???????? Turn obstacles into strength – How can you transform a challenge into a source of purpose?
Let's not just watch history—let's make our own.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Priscila Z. Vendramini Mezzena, PMP, PMI-ACP, MBA, CSM
Priscila Z. Vendramini Mezzena is a seasoned Project Manager and Product Owner with extensive expertise in architecture, construction, IT projects, and product development. She brings a strong background in consulting, guiding organizations to successfully navigate diverse and complex projects. Holding an MBA and esteemed certifications—Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I), and Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I). Priscila is also dedicated to advancing the project management profession.
In 2024, she launched a blog to share her professional insights and life experiences, furthering her passion for knowledge-sharing and community engagement. Since 2006, Priscila has volunteered in various PMI initiatives, showcasing her commitment to fostering growth within the field. She has held several leadership roles at PMI S?o Paulo, including Membership Director, Governance Council Member, and PMI Chapter Xchange Liaison.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Unlocking the Opportunity by Elise Stevens
"Unlocking the Opportunity" gathers the collective wisdom of over 150 female project managers from diverse global backgrounds and industry sectors. The book delves into the multifaceted nature of project management, offering a rich tapestry of career experiences and practical advice. These women share their insights on both the essential technical skills needed to manage projects effectively, such as risk assessment, scheduling, and budgeting, and the equally critical soft skills, including communication, leadership, and stakeholder management. The emphasis is on how these skills, when honed and applied strategically, contribute to delivering successful outcomes for clients and navigating the complexities of modern project environments.
A key takeaway from the book is the importance of adaptability and continuous learning within the project management field. The contributors highlight the necessity of staying abreast of evolving technologies, methodologies, and industry trends. They also underscore the significance of fostering strong relationships, building collaborative teams, and effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders. The book provides a nuanced understanding of how cultural awareness and emotional intelligence play pivotal roles in navigating global projects and managing diverse teams, emphasizing that success extends beyond technical proficiency to encompass interpersonal finesse.
Ultimately, "Unlocking the Opportunity" serves as a valuable resource for aspiring and current project managers, particularly women, seeking to advance their careers. By sharing their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, the contributors offer a powerful and relatable guide to navigating the complexities of the profession. The book's global perspective and cross-sector insights provide a comprehensive overview of the skills and strategies required to excel in project management, emphasizing the vital role of both technical expertise and human-centric leadership in achieving project success and fostering positive client relationships.
Upcoming Power Connect : Ignite your Inner Power : I am Remarkable
Join Women PowerUP Network for an inspiring #IAMRemarkable workshop designed to boost confidence, celebrate achievements, and challenge biases around self-promotion. Led by experienced facilitators Katarzyna Krupa & Marek Malinowski, this 90-minute interactive session will help you unlock your full potential!
?? March 15 | 07:00 PM (IST) | ?? Online Event
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Wow! This is super inspiring content.
Helping Businesses Create Impact & Scale Sustainably Through Purpose-Driven Strategies
18 小时前embracing growth together creates a powerful wave of change. empowerment is truly a collective journey.
??PMP certified Project Manager ??People manager??PMI Poland Revision Committee Member ?? PMI Poland Member and Volunteer ?? Mentor ??Speaker ?? Writer ??Europe Lead of Women PowerUp Network ?? Plain Language enthusiast
18 小时前Elise Stevens thank you for your contribution to March edition ??