I’ve had the privilege of traveling across the country, and as someone deeply involved in project management, I’m truly inspired by the incredible partnerships being forged for sustainable development. It’s been powerful to hear first-hand from communities about how projects are transforming their lives and creating lasting change. The opportunities for development actors to make a meaningful impact are endless, especially when we focus on collaboration, innovation, and most importantly community-driven solutions.

Project management can get hectic, especially during fundraising and reporting seasons. It’s easy to get bogged down by administrative tasks and lose sight of the communities we’re working to serve. However, staying connected to those communities is key to designing impactful and sustainable projects.

Some advice for project managers, as your career progresses and you spend more time in the office, make it a priority to engage directly with the people you’re working for. Whether through site visits, regular feedback, or involving communities in project design and evaluation as their input is invaluable. It keeps you grounded, motivated, and ensures your work truly meets their needs.

Never lose sight of the real-world impact your projects have. Your connection to the community will always be your greatest motivation.