Project management has long been associated with capital infrastructure—bridges, roads, tech rollouts, and high-stakes development. But what about the human-centered projects that build stronger, more resilient communities? Historically, these “helping” efforts—often led by women and marginalized groups—were dismissed as softer work, unworthy of the formal structures, budgets, and prestige of traditional project professions. Yet these projects have always required vision, leadership, adaptability, and systems thinking.

This workshop invites us to reimagine project management as a more equitable, inclusive field—one that honors the diverse histories, skills, and lived experiences of those who have been doing transformative project work for generations.
We'll ground our session in a look back at the Progressive Era, when leaders like Jane Addams and the settlement house movement introduced innovative, community-centered social programs long before public institutions took responsibility for them. This work—often spearheaded by women—was strategic, organized, and impact-driven, even if it wasn't labeled “project management.” Similarly, thinkers like Camille Camillus and her “Diverse Work Bureau” vision helped reframe the value of underrepresented labor and communal expertise.

Fast-forward to today: we’re still navigating whose work counts, who gets credit, and who gets funded. In this session, we’ll explore how gender, race, neurodiversity, and other identities shape how people access (or are excluded from) formal project management pathways—and how we can push the field forward to be more inclusive and affirming.

We’ll also explore how Agile methodologies, with their emphasis on iteration, feedback, collaboration, and adaptability, can align with equity-centered principles when practiced with intention and inclusion in mind.

Learning Objectives

Areas Covered

This workshop is an invitation to rethink project management not just as a set of tools, but as a platform for justice, collaboration, and social impact. Come ready to challenge norms, honor untold histories, and build the future of the field—together.

Who Should Attend    

Recent research suggests that 30% of the population experiences some symptoms of a neurodivergent condition.  CEOs, HR Directors, Trainers, Team Leads, Project Managers, Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Agile Coaches, Disability Advocates

Why Should You Attend

This workshop, "Equity in Project Management: Reclaiming the Human Side of the Profession," invites participants to rethink the field of project management from an inclusive, equity-centered perspective. Traditionally, project management has focused on large-scale infrastructure projects, often overlooking community-driven initiatives led by marginalized groups. Historically, much of this vital work, spearheaded by women, BIPOC leaders, and neurodivergent thinkers, was undervalued and excluded from formal project management structures. This workshop aims to highlight these contributions and reframe how we view leadership and project success.

Participants will dive into the historical roots of exclusion, exploring the Progressive Era’s community-centered movements and the transformative work of leaders like Jane Addams. The session will also examine how race, gender, and neurodiversity impact who gets to be seen as a “project leader” and which projects receive attention and funding. Through an exploration of Agile methodologies, we will show how these approaches, when applied intentionally, can support diverse perspectives and foster more inclusive team cultures.

By the end of the workshop, participants will gain tools to incorporate equity-centered thinking into their project planning, team structures, and decision-making processes. The goal is to challenge traditional norms, elevate underrepresented voices, and foster a project management practice that values justice, collaboration, and social impact. Attendees will leave empowered to create more inclusive and adaptive projects that reflect the diverse talents and experiences that drive true community transformation.

Topic Background    

In this workshop, we will explore how the landscape of project management has historically excluded certain groups and perspectives—and how, in recent years, equity considerations are transforming the field. While project management is often associated with large capital projects and infrastructure initiatives, this has not always been the case. For much of its history, project management was framed narrowly around technical, engineering, and capital-driven goals, while the “helping professions,” which included social services, community development, and healthcare, were overlooked. This legacy continues to shape the way we understand the roles of diversity and inclusion in today’s project management practices.