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Volunteer of the Quarter: Melissa Harris Inspires the Next Generation of Project Managers

The PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter is proud to recognize Melissa Harris, PMP, as our Volunteer of the Quarter for Q1 2025. Melissa's dedication to nurturing early-career professionals and her unwavering commitment to academic outreach have made a significant impact on our community.

Empowering Future Project Leaders

In the first quarter of 2025, Melissa volunteered her time to present to over 150 students across two universities, introducing them to the field of project management and guiding them in their early career development. Her engaging presentations and genuine passion have inspired many students to consider project management as a viable and rewarding career path.

Melissa serves as the Director of Academic Outreach for the PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter, a role that perfectly aligns with her passion for mentoring students. With over seven years of volunteer service, including her tenure as Vice President of Programs, Melissa has been instrumental in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world project management practices.

A Career Dedicated to Service and Leadership

Professionally, Melissa is a Water Resources Project Manager with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, bringing over 20 years of experience in environmental compliance and water resources planning. Her expertise spans federal policy, facilitation, and land management. She is also a Certified Change Practitioner and holds a BS in Environmental Resource Sciences from UC Davis and a Master of Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara's Donald Bren School.

Beyond her professional and volunteer roles, Melissa contributes to the broader community as a member of the City of Sacramento Active Transportation Commission and as an External Advisor for the UC Davis Environmental Policy and Management Graduate Program.

Inspiring Through Action

Melissa's colleagues and peers consistently praise her for her dedication, leadership, and the positive energy she brings to every initiative. Her efforts have not only enriched the PMI Sacramento Valley Chapter but have also left a lasting impression on the students and professionals she mentors.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Melissa Harris for her outstanding contributions and for embodying the spirit of volunteerism that drives our chapter forward. Her commitment to empowering the next generation of project managers is truly commendable.

 

Check out previous VOQ interviews on our website: https://pmi-svc.org/volunteer-of-the-quarter