PMI Buffalo’s Volunteer Appreciation Gala
Merchants Insurance Group colleagues (from left: Randy Reese, Manager, IT Business Services, Information Technology; Aamna Hussain, Project Manager II [standing]; Umesh Mallya, Manager, Document Integration & Business Intelligence; Joanna Barrett, Project Manager I) attend PMI Buffalo’s Volunteer Appreciation Gala!
Merchants Sponsors PMI Buffalo’s Volunteer Appreciation Event
On Thursday, April 25, 2024, the Buffalo, New York Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI Buffalo) hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Gala at The Show at Shea’s Seneca. Merchants Insurance Group was a proud sponsor of this year’s event, which celebrated the volunteers behind PMI Buffalo.
In recognition of its volunteers, PMI Buffalo shared this statement on their Facebook page:
“Your dedication, passion, and selflessness are the driving force behind our success, and we couldn’t do it without you. Whether you’ve helped plan events, mentor aspiring project managers, or lend a hand behind the scenes, your contributions are greatly appreciated.”
Merchants Insurance Group is proud to continue its support of the Buffalo, New York chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI is a not-for-profit organization, dedicated to building a community for project management professionals and providing career enhancement opportunities through knowledge sharing, certifications, and networking. The organization was founded in 1969; the PMI Buffalo Chapter, a community of project management professionals in the Western New York region, was formed in 1995.
This year, the local PMI chapter hosted the Volunteer Appreciation Gala during National Volunteer Week.
Aamna Hussain, Volunteer of the Year!
Graphic courtesy of the Project Management Institute, Buffalo, NY
Aamna Hussain Receives Volunteer of the Year Award
Aamna Hussain, Project Manager II at Merchants Insurance Group, was named PMI Buffalo’s Volunteer of the Year! Ms. Hussain volunteered with PMI Buffalo for four years and most recently served as Director of Communications for the organization.
“I’m immensely honored to receive the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award from PMI Buffalo. Being recognized among such a talented group of nominees is truly humbling. Volunteering with the chapter over the past few years has been an incredibly rewarding journey, where I’ve not only made meaningful connections but also acquired valuable skills. I’m also grateful to acknowledge that Merchants Insurance has been a proud sponsor at various events for PMI Buffalo over the years, and their support is greatly appreciated. I encourage all project managers, aspiring project managers, and anyone interested in project management in the Buffalo area to join us, attend our events, and consider volunteering with the chapter. Together, let’s continue to contribute to and strengthen our local project management community.”
-Aamna Hussain, Project Manager II at Merchants Insurance Group
On Ms. Hussain’s achievement and Merchants’ involvement with PMI Buffalo, Merchants’ Vice President & Chief Information Officer Stephen Cross stated:
“PMI Buffalo works to develop a community of project managers that champion organizational efficiencies, strong relationships and effective use of resources in our community. Merchants is pleased to support PMI Buffalo and proud of the recognition that Aamna has received from her commitment to that organization and advocacy for quality project management.”
Several Merchants colleagues have their Project Management Professional Certification and are members of PMI Buffalo, including:
- Joanna Barrett, Project Manager I
- Ken Dobinski, Manager, Project Controls
- Aamna Hussain, Project Manager II
- Umesh Mallya, Manager, Document Integration & Business Intelligence
- Manoj Pandey, Sr. Enterprise Content Management Developer
Randy Reese, Manager, IT Business Services, Information Technology, also attended the Volunteer Appreciation Gala to show his support.
