PMI CTT's Events

Title of the Event: 

Laurier × PMI-CTT: Exploring Career Paths in Project Management

Key areas covered during this session includes: 

This event introduces Laurier students to PMI-CTT. Attendees will explore PMI-CTT’s vision, mission,

values, and overview. A few panelists working in PM who can share information about their career paths and share insights on entry level opportunities for students.

Brief description of what the speakers will be talking about: 

Topic:  Introduces Laurier  to PMI-CTT

• Build Awareness of PMI-CTT Among Students and Staff: Highlight who PMI-CTT is, the chapter’s mission, and the value it brings to emerging professionals. Emphasize certifications, professional development, mentorship, and community involvement.
• Showcase Opportunities in Each Team Sector: Give a snapshot of each PMI-CTT team—Agile, Outreach, Membership, Events, Marketing, etc. Explain what each team does, the skills students can gain, and how they can get involved.
• Panel Discussion of Career Paths to strengthen Outreach Between PMI-CTT and the University:Panelists working in PM who can share information about their career paths and share insights on entry level opportunities for students.

Panel Speaker 1:

Biography:

Alex Letona

Alex Letona, President, is is responsible for leading the creation and development of the overall vision and strategy execution of the PMI-CTT chapter and is jointly accountable with the Board of Directors for its oversight

Prior to assuming this position, Mr. Letona held the positions of Director of Events, Communications Manager, and, most recently, VP, Web Administration. As VP, he managed a team of four which developed and maintained the chapter’s information technology needs. Under Mr. Letona’s leadership, the chapter’s website underwent a complete redesign and email migration, among other initiatives. He also actively participated in Chapter Leadership team meetings and contributed to the annual strategic plan. He achieved his Project Management Professional (PMP) designation in 2015 and has been volunteering with PMI-CTT since 2013.

Mr. Letona is a Senior Program Manager at Regional Medical Associates where he currently leading the Transformation Program. 

Mr. Letona graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Computer Science College and Francisco Marroquin University in Guatemala. Mr. Letona, his wife, and two sons live in Cambridge, Ontario.

Panel Speaker 2:

Biography:

Ayo Adetayo, VP Agility

Ayo is a seasoned Digital Transformation Leader and PMI CTT new VP of Agility, with expertise in Agile Leadership, Project Management, and Business Analysis.

University Degree and Other Qualifications: Ayo holds degrees in Physical Sciences and Engineering (Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering), complemented by certifications in Agile, ITIL, and Lean methodologies.

Fun Facts: Ayo is an avid listener who finds joy in connecting with people, listening to music, and hitting the dance floor whenever the rhythm calls!

Aspiration & Values: Inspired by PMI’s values of collaboration, responsibility, and excellence, Ayo aspires to empower teams to innovate by leveraging technology to deliver meaningful change. He values respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to create an inclusive and lasting impact.

Panel Speaker 3:

Biography:

Shirley De Souza, Board of Director Professional Development

Shirley De Souza serves as PMI‑CTT’s Director of Professional Development, where she leads a dedicated team supporting member growth in Agility, Mentoring, Certifications, Academic Outreach, Enhancement Training and Study Hall initiatives while contributing to PMI‑CTT’s broader strategic priorities. Previously Acting Director PD, VP Disciplined Agile, and Events Manager, she has guided teams that deliver meaningful learning and community experiences.

Shirley's a Chemical Engineering  graduate from the University of Waterloo,  PMP® and DASM®. She brings diverse industry experience from Toyota, Alcatel, and the injection moulding sector. Known for her collaborative spirit, relationship‑building, and commitment to continuous improvement, she continues to expand her skills in Agile Project Management, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership. Shirley is passionate about giving back. Outside of volunteering, she enjoys family time and exploring creativity through pottery.

Panel Speaker 4:

Biography:

Vanessa Perez Yepez, VP, Certification

Vanessa is a professional dedicated to making organizations leaner and more effective, driven by the philosophy that better systems lead to better outcomes. With a foundational background in telecommunications, system integration and software development, she brings a structured, analytical approach to her work at Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. In her current role, she acts as a strategic bridge across the organization, identifying operational gaps and leading the transition from manual, fragmented tasks to integrated, high-efficiency systems.