Day 8-9: Leading Through Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Over the past two days, we continued our project management training and worked toward completing the 35 hour certification program. As the week progressed, it was rewarding to see the participants become more engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and begin connecting project management concepts to their own organizations and initiatives.
Throughout the training, we covered many of the foundational elements of project management, including the 10 Knowledge Areas, the five Process Groups, and the 49 Project Management processes. While the concepts themselves are important, our goal was to make them practical and relevant to the participants’ everyday work.
One of the most valuable aspects of the training was the opportunity to learn through collaboration. We broke into groups that included Mercer University Graduate students, GAERG participants, and Aegis Trust representatives. Together, the groups worked through hands-on exercises to develop project charters, create work breakdown structures (WBS), and apply project management tools to real-world scenarios. These activities helped bring the material to life and allowed participants to see how project management can be used to strengthen nonprofit initiatives, community programs, and organizational goals.
I was able to share examples from my own professional experience leading projects and implementing process improvement initiatives. By connecting the concepts to real-life situations, participants were able to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore how these tools could be applied within their own organizations. The open discussions and question and answer sessions created a learning environment where everyone had the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow together.
From a leadership perspective, these past two days reinforced the idea that leadership is not simply about directing others, it is about empowering them. One of the most meaningful ways leaders can serve is by sharing knowledge, developing others, and creating opportunities for growth. Throughout the training, I was reminded that leadership often happens through teaching, mentoring, and encouraging others to see possibilities they may not have seen before. Watching participants gain confidence in their understanding of project management was just as rewarding as teaching the material itself.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to co-lead this course and contribute to the learning experience for all three groups, the Mercer University graduate students, the GAERG participants, and The Aegis Trust representatives. This experience has reminded me that leadership extends beyond titles and organizational boundaries. It is about using our experiences, knowledge, and skills to help others succeed.
As we prepare for graduation tomorrow, I find myself reflecting on how much has been accomplished in such a short period of time. Tomorrow, the participants who successfully completed the training will receive a project management certificate of completion from Mercer University. I am excited to celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing how they apply these new skills within their organizations, communities, and future endeavors.
