How PMI Networking and Leadership Are Accelerating Careers for Remote Pros with Krista Phillips

In this episode of ChoinqueCast, I sit down with Krista Phillips, President at PMI Pikes Peak Regional, Colorado Chapter. Krista shares her journey from criminal justice and SAP programming into project management leadership and explains how the Project Management Institute helps professionals grow through certifications, leadership development, networking, and volunteer opportunities. The conversation explores the value of project management offices, the importance of community building for remote workers, and how local PMI chapters create meaningful impact through mentorship and service projects. Krista Phillips is the President of the PMI Pikes Peak Regional Chapter and a longtime volunteer leader with a background in IT consulting and SAP programming. After earning her PMP certification, she became deeply involved with PMI and helped grow the chapter to more than 1,000 members. Krista is passionate about leadership development, mentorship, and creating inclusive spaces where project managers can connect, learn, and give back to their communities. Expect to Learn: How Krista transitioned from criminal justice into IT and project management leadership What PMI is and why PMP certification is considered a leading industry standard How local PMI chapters help professionals build community, mentorship, and leadership skills Why strong PMOs help organizations scale projects and improve efficiency How PMI chapters create social impact through volunteer and nonprofit work Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] – Teaser [01:10] – Welcome & Introduction of Krista Phillips [05:07] – Serendipitous connection with Jim [09:10] – The “Unconference”: four members speak for 15 minutes each in November [15:34] – Member appreciation: family‑friendly, inclusive [21:34] – Leadership Institute Meetings [27:32] – Common terminology across PMI‑trained professionals [34:34] – Providing presentations on PMI certifications to local county [37:19] – You don’t have to be a member to participate in chapter events [38:06] – Closing remarks and thanks 🔗 Connect with the Guest, Krista Philips : 👉 LinkedIn:   / krista-phillips-pmp-cos   👉 Company’s LinkedIn:   / pmi-pikes-peak-regional-colorado-chapter   👉 Company’s Website: https://pmipprc.org/ 🔗 Connect with the Host, Jim Emerick: 👉 LinkedIn:   / jimemerick   🔗 More from Choinque: 👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog 👉 Facebook:   / 918903204639744   👉 Instagram:   / choinquecast   👉 TikTok:   / choinque   👉 X: https://x.com/choinque 👉 Email: [email protected] 🔗 More about Leadership Courses: 👉 Schedule: https://www.academyleadership.com/Eme... 🔗 Follow the Podcasts: 👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3gl... 👉 YouTube:    / @jimemerick4012