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Rona Puntawe
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rona-puntawe/

Biography

Rona Puntawe is a globally experienced director, intercultural leader, and project professional with more than 20 years across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. She combines governance, strategy execution, and transformation expertise with a passion for developing people and communities.

A former PMI Melbourne Board Director (2012–2016), Rona helped lead the chapter to a Chapter Excellence Award recognised by PMI Global. She has also spoken at PMI Global Conferences and Leadership Institute Meetings in the US, Canada, Brazil, and Asia-Pacific.

Professionally, Rona has held senior roles at KPMG, EY, and government agencies, leading change in strategy, culture, business excellence, innovation, and technology adoption. She has partnered with executive and managers across more than 30 organisations in corporate, government, nonprofit, and academic sectors.

She holds the PMP®, PROSCI® Change Practitioner, and GAICD® (Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors) — a credential widely recognised as the gold standard in governance and board leadership in Australia. Rona is also a published researcher and international speaker, with a recent focus on transformative leadership, education, and social innovation. As a Distinguished Toastmaster with 16 years of volunteer leadership, she has championed mentoring, public speaking, and leadership development. She has also delivered intercultural programs globally and led award-winning mentorship and capacity-building initiatives.

Rona’s academic qualifications include:

  • BA Psychology (Magna Cum Laude), University of the Philippines (Presidential Scholar)
  • Master of Commerce in Organisation & Management, UNSW (AusAID Scholar)
  • International Master in Adult Education for Social Change, Joint University of Glasgow -University of Malta - Tallinn University (Erasmus Mundus Scholar)
  • Graduate Diploma in Intercultural Management, Japan America Institute of Management Science, USA (Fujitsu Asia-Pacific Scholar)

Election Statement

PMI has been valuable in my professional and personal journey. I am honoured to stand as a candidate for the PMI Sydney Chapter Board, with a commitment to serve as your advocate, connector, and enabler. I envision the following priorities working collaboratively with fellow Directors and volunteers:

1. Strengthen Member Value

  • Enhance localised learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities tailored to our diverse project management community, with active listening to members’ needs.
  • Inclusive pathways co-created with members across different backgrounds to engage, contribute, and grow with a sense of belonging to the PMI community.

2. Provide Strong, Ethical Governance

  • As a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), I bring Australia’s gold-standard training in board governance and fiduciary responsibility.
  • This ensures I contribute not only energy and ideas, but also judgment, accountability, and ethical leadership at Board level.

3.  Bridge Practice, Research & Community

  • Forge stronger ties between the Chapter and universities, helping students transition into PMI membership and research-practice collaborations.
  • Use my networks and speaking platforms to raise the Chapter’s visibility, positioning it as a hub for project management excellence and being at the forefront of conversations in advancing the profession.
  • Strategically leverage PMI Global and Regional networks and resources to continuously improve the Chapter.

Beyond these, I also bring:

  • A passion for mentoring professionals to grow their leadership and communication skills, demonstrated through 16 years of service in Toastmasters International.
  • A track record of building communities of learning and impact — both in Australia and internationally.
  • Deep experience in organisational change and systems transformation — valuable in helping the Board manage complexity, change, and stakeholder differences.

Commitment and availability to dedicate my time, networks, and expertise with an understanding of the demands in fulfilling the role of a Board Director.

Your voice matters, and I would be honoured to represent you on the Board. Together, we can ensure PMI Sydney continues to deliver value, belonging, and opportunities for all members.