Club Meeting and Beyond “Everything’s Fine” with Anna Holt (Earn 2 PDUs)

Synopsis
Drawing from my background in cognitive science research on executive functioning, practical experience in education policy and data governance design, and participatory action research and advocacy with neurodivergent adults, this talk explores what neurodivergent communication experiences can teach project managers about communication, trust, and hidden project risk more broadly. We will discuss how teams often miss critical information when stakeholders do not feel psychologically safe or believe their communication style will be misunderstood. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for building more inclusive communication practices, improving stakeholder engagement, and creating environments where team members feel safer raising concerns early in the project lifecycle.
Biography
Anna Holt, PhD, is Director of Data Governance at Framingham State University in Framingham, Massachusetts, USA. She is also a 2025–2026 Stony Brook University Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Fellow in the self-advocacy track. She holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from the University of California San Diego and has worked across research, education policy, accessibility, and organizational change management. Her current work focuses on communication, stakeholder engagement, and participatory approaches to improving accessible and inclusive systems design and decision-making. Anna is also active in neurodivergent advocacy and inclusive community spaces, including organizing the Greater Boston ADHD+ Adult Meetup Group.

Welcome to Project Managers United Toastmasters!

Project Managers United Toastmasters (PMUT) offers a unique blend of Project Management and Toastmasters, designed to help individuals interested in project management improve their communication and leadership skills. Guests are always welcome to join and experience our meetings, whether you're new to project management, seeking to enhance your skills, or looking to expand your network.

Our meetings are structured to offer maximum value to both paid members and guest attendees:
· One hour is dedicated to a traditional Toastmasters meeting.
· The other hour is typically reserved for our featured PM Forum Speaker, who may present either in the first or second half of the meeting, depending on their availability and preference.

Meeting Format:

• Join the call at 5:55 PM EST (Toronto, Ontario, Canada).
• The meeting starts promptly at 6:00 PM EST and concludes at 8:00 PM EST.

Optional: After most meetings, several members stay online for a few minutes to answer questions about becoming a paid member of Project Managers United Toastmasters. We talk about Toastmasters' Educational Pathways and share our personal experiences with the club. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network informally and get your questions answered. Come experience the PMUT difference!

Paid Members receive quarterly consolidated PDU Claim receipts, which simplify tracking your attendance and roles for submission to PMI. Each two-hour meeting is worth two professional development units.

Note: There is no fee for guests to attend our meetings.

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