About the UT Dallas PM Virtual Conference
Save the date: October 24, 2025
Organized by UT Dallas in collaboration with PM World Journal, the UT Dallas Project Management Virtual Conference is a one-day event that will feature prominent experts in Project Management from around the world. This conference is open to anyone from any background sector looking to enhance their knowledge of project management and earn PDUs. Keep your skills at the forefront of international project management trends and best practices. Join us on October 24, 2025 for a virtual knowledge sharing experience with multiple globally renowned project management thought leaders from around the world.
If you have a group of 5 or more, please email pmsymposium@utdallas.edu for an additional discounted rate.
Dr. Ricardo Viana Vargas, PMI Fellow
Former PMI Chair & Founder of PMI’s Brightline Initiative, past director of UNOPS (Lisbon, Portugal)Presentation Title: What about the Future Project Manager: Thriving in the Age of AI
Abstract:As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the workplace; the role of the project manager is also undergoing a profound evolution. This session explores how AI is reshaping decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery, requiring project leaders to develop new skills, mindsets, and tools. Through real-world examples and strategic insights, we will examine the critical capabilities the future project manager must master to remain relevant, lead effectively, and thrive in an AI-augmented environment.
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Bio:
Ricardo Viana Vargas is Managing Partner at Macrosolutions, past Executive Director of the Project Management Institute’s Brightline Initiative, past Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Infrastructure and Project Management Group, and former Chair of the PMI Board of Directors. Passionate about transforming ideas into action and a popular speaker at international PM events, Ricardo is recognized worldwide as a chief advocate for the project economy. Specializing in implementing innovative global initiatives, capital projects and product development, he has directed dozens of projects across industries and continents, managing more than $20 billion in global initiatives over the past 25 years.
Ricardo shares his expertise with millions of professionals around the globe through his “5 Minutes Podcast”, which he’s hosted since 2007. He has written 16 books on project management, risk and crisis management, and transformation, which have been translated into six languages and sold more than half a million copies. His latest book Project Management Next Generation: The Pillars for Organizational Excellence, in partnership with Dr. Harold Kerzner and Dr. Al Zeitoun has recently been released.
Ricardo’s influence on project management was affirmed when he became the first Latin American to be elected Chairman of the Project Management Institute. More than two decades ago, he founded Macrosolutions, a global consulting firm with international operations in energy, infrastructure, IT, oil and finance. Between 2016 and 2020, Ricardo directed the Brightline Initiative, a Project Management Institute think tank bringing together leading organizations in a coalition dedicated to helping executives bridge the expensive, unproductive gap between strategic design and delivery. Prior to his work with Brightline, Ricardo was Director of UNOPS Infrastructure and Project Management Group, leading more than 1,000 projects and $1.2 billion in humanitarian and development projects around the world.
He has worked as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur in artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, chatbots and machine learning resulted in tools and products that have revolutionized how users bring agility and agile management into project management software.
Ricardo holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Federal Fluminense University in Brazil and an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering, as well as a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil. He can be contacted at ricardo@ricardo-vargas.com
Dr. Alfonso Bucero, PhD, PMP, PMI-RMP, PfMP, PMI-Fellow
Author of multiple books about positivity in project management (Madrid, Spain)Presentation Title: Passion, Persistence, and Patience – Attitudes to achieve project success
Abstract:Our life is full of what we call obstacles, which are actually challenges that we must overcome, that we should and can overcome from our excellence as professionals. The new paradigm we are experiencing and the transformation of businesses means that people have to ‘adapt’ to each situation in every ‘context’. This conference aims to explain to the audience the best practices of Alfonso Bucero by applying his 3 Ps (Passion, Persistence, and Patience) throughout his life and professional career in different organizations.
Everything you think you can achieve in your life, you can achieve by applying your passion, persistence, and patience. Learn how to do it and interact with the speaker by attending this presentation. This will be a dynamic and interactive session.
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Bio:
Alfonso Bucero, PhD, CPS, PMP, PMI-RMP, PfMP, SFC, IPMO-E, PMI Fellow, is an International Correspondent and Contributing Editor for the PM World Journal in Madrid, Spain. Mr. Bucero is also the founder and Managing Partner of BUCERO PM Consulting. Alfonso was the founder, sponsor, and President of the PMI Barcelona Chapter until April 2005 and belonged to PMI’s LIAG (Leadership Institute Advisory Group). He was the past PMI Madrid Spain Chapter president and then nominated as a PMI EMEA Region 8 Component Mentor. Alfonso was a member of the PMIEF Engagement Committee. Alfonso has a Computer Science Engineering degree from Universidad Politécnica in Madrid and studied his Ph.D. in Project Management. He has 40 years of practical experience and is actively advancing the PM profession in Spain and Europe. Alfonso received the PMI Distinguished Contribution Award on October 9, 2010, the PMI Fellow Award on October 22, 2011, and the PMI Eric Jenett Excellence Award on October 28, 2017. You can contact Mr. Bucero at alfonso.bucero@abucero.com.
Ana Maria Rodriguez, MBA, MSE, PMP, PMI Buenos Aires Chapter Past President
MS construction project management, UT Austin; Business entrepreneur and executive: Professor (Buenos Aires, Argentina)Presentation Title: Empowering the Entrepreneurial Spirit: A Woman’s Journey in Project Management
Abstract:In this engaging session, we will explore the journey of an entrepreneur who transformed her career in Civil Engineering into a thriving business in Project Management. Starting her path at the University of Texas in Austin, the speaker will share valuable insights from her experience as a woman entrepreneur in the PM field, highlighting the challenges and successes she encountered along the way.
From launching her own business to navigating the complexities of leadership and project management, attendees will gain practical advice and inspiration on how to combine the power of Project Management with entrepreneurial vision. The session will also reflect on the unique barriers faced by women in this space and offer actionable ideas for overcoming them.
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Bio:
Ana María holds a Master’s in Project Management (MSE) from the University of Texas at
Austin (USA), and a Civil Engineering degree from the Universidad Javeriana (Colombia). She
obtained the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and the Agile Certified
Professional (PMI-ACP) certification in 2021. In 2024, she completed an MBA program at the
Universidad del CEMA (Buenos Aires). Ana María is also a graduate of the Leadership Institute of the
Project Management Institute (PMI) MasterClass 2018.
She is the Founder and Managing Partner of ERA Project Management, with main offices in Buenos
Aires. Offering consulting services, ERAPM has been involved in the planning, monitoring, and
control of large-scale projects across various industries, including paper, steel, oil, cereals, real
estate, hotels, hospitals, residential and office buildings, SMEs, and government in Latin America
since 2004.
Ana María is a Project Management Professor at ESAN Business School (Peru), at the Graduate
School of Engineering at the National University of Rosario since 2000 and has provided incompany training to various companies in Latin America.
An active PMI volunteer since 2007, Ana María has contributed locally and globally, having led the
Construction CoP (2013-2014). In 2022, she was the President of the Buenos Aires Chapter of PMI.
Ana Maria lives now in Buenos Aires with her daughter Tatiana. She loves to Paddle Board, and
hopes visiting Texas back soon since she has great memories from the years she lived in Austin.
Dr. Prasad S. Kodukula, PMP, PgMP, DASM, DASSM, PMI-ACP, BCES, PMI Fellow
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Adjunct Industry Professor, CEO (Chicago, USA)Guz Vinueza, MBA, MS (Finance), AI/ML Certification (UT Austin)
Author, International Advisor, Speaker, Professor (Cuenca, Ecuador)Presentation Title: AI in Action: Elevating PMO and Project Management with Agentic and Generative Tools
Abstract:Explore how agentic and generative AI are reshaping the future of PMO and project management. Through interactive demos, learn how to deploy AI tools for portfolio management, scheduling, cost analysis, and risk assessment. Understand when to use agentic AI for decision support and when to leverage generative AI for automation and content creation. This session focuses on practical application—equipping you not only to understand AI but also to apply it with confidence.
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Bio:
Dr. Kodukula is a USA Today best-selling author, PMI Fellow, thought leader, and
entrepreneur. A global ambassador for project management, he has lectured in nearly 50
countries and worked with more than 40 Fortune 100 companies across all 11 S&P
industrial sectors. He serves as an adjunct industry professor at Illinois Tech and teaches
recovery of troubled projects for NASA and at the University of Chicago. As co-founder and
CEO of Kodukula & Associates, Inc. and NeoChloris, Inc., he leads the firms in project
management and renewable energy, respectively. Recognized three times by the Project
Management Institute as “Best of the Best in Project Management,” Dr. Kodukula has
received numerous accolades throughout his career. These include the Illinois Tech
Alumni Association Professional Achievement Award; honors from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the states of Arizona, Kansas, and Illinois for his leadership in
education, training, environmental innovation, and sustainability; and the Project Controls
Excellence Award from the Project Control Academy for his thought leadership in project
controls. An accomplished author and innovator, Dr. Kodukula has co-authored or
contributed to 12 books, published over 40 articles, and holds four U.S. patents. He is the
lead author of the forthcoming Project Management AI Handbook: Leveraging Generative
Tools in Waterfall and Agile Environments, scheduled for publication in September 2025.
Guz Vinueza is a professor in quantitative risk analysis, project management, and applied data science. With over 20 years of experience, he has trained and advised numerous Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and startups across various sectors, including energy, finance, infrastructure, and technology. He is the Education Director at The Ferryfield Group, a global consulting and education firm specializing in project risk and data-driven decision-making. A sought-after speaker and educator, Guz has delivered masterclasses, webinars, and corporate training across the Americas and Europe. He has presented at global conferences, including PMI, ICEAA, and AACE International, and leads Latin American outreach for tools such as ModelRisk and Safran Risk. He is also a coauthor with Dr. Prasad Kodukula of The Project Management AI Handbook: Leveraging Generative Tools in Waterfall and Agile Environments. Known for simplifying complex concepts and bridging AI, risk modeling, and decision science, Guz is passionate about democratizing advanced tools and technologies. He holds degrees in engineering and finance and teaches in executive programs across Spain and Latin America.
Frank Saladis, PMP, PMI Fellow
Author of 12 project management books, Creator of the “International Project Management Day” now celebrated worldwide (New York, USA)Presentation Title: The Value Driven Project Manager
Abstract:There is some debate as to whether project management is a profession or simply a methodology but there is no doubt that a well-trained, experienced, and competent professional project manager will make a meaningful, value adding contribution to any organization. The career-minded project manager focuses on personal and organizational success and the creation of value. It is the mission of the professional project manager to develop the skills required to achieve the goals of the customer, the organization to which he or she is assigned while planning to upskill and grow professionally and personally. Today’s project managers are expected to overcome challenges and obstacles that, just a few years ago, could not even be imagined. These challenges require a unique type of person who understands the meaning of value from multiple perspectives, and the personal values that drive one’s own direction.
Values are developed over time and from many sources of influence and are associated with things we believe are important and useful. They are also associated with enduring beliefs and ideals. The successful project manager understands value from a business perspective and a personal perspective and, using leadership skills, an understanding of the complexities of working with people, and a desire to accomplish objectives, creates a plan for success. This seminar addresses how core values are formed at the individual level and at the organizational level. It also addresses how these values drive personal performance, affect personal brand, organizational brand, and influence the effectiveness of the professional project manager and project teams.
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Bio:
Frank P. Saladis, PMP, PMI Fellow is the Owner/Founder of Blue Marble Enterprizes
Inc. and Project Imaginers. Frank is an accomplished leader and contributor in the
discipline of project management. He is the author of 12 published books, the past editor
of the All PM Newsletter (an IIL publication) and the author of over 200 published project
management articles. Frank provides training and consulting services internationally and
has educated and entertained countless audiences with a special blend of project
management knowledge and tasteful humor.
Frank was PMI’s 2006 Person of the Year. Frank is a Project Management Professional, a
graduate from the PMI Leadership Institute Master’s class, and has contributed
significantly to the organizations growth and knowledge base for more than 33 years. His
leadership activity within PMI included the position of President of the New York City PMI
chapter from 1991-2001, 2005, 2015, and 2020-2022, President of the Assembly of
Chapter President-1999-2001, and Chair of the Education and Training Specific Interest
Group. He received the high honor of the “PMI Fellow Award” in October 2013 and received
the very prestigious “PMI Distinguished Contribution Award” in October 2015.
Dr. Ashley Forsyth
Director, Social Impact Programs; Executive Director, PMI Educational Foundation; Executive Director, Project Managers Without BordersPresentation Title: Moving Missions Forward: How Project Management can Strengthen Nonprofit Impact
Abstract:Nonprofits worldwide face complex challenges such as limited resources, growing needs, and increasing demands for measurable results. But many lack the structures and tools to plan, execute, and scale their work effectively. Project Managers Without Borders (PMWB) bridges this gap by connecting skilled project professionals with nonprofits and NGOs to enhance clarity, coordination, and capacity.
In this session, we will explore how applying proven project management practices empowers nonprofits to accelerate progress toward their missions, sustain long-term impact, and unlock new opportunities for collaboration. Drawing on real-world examples from PMWB’s global partnerships, participants will gain insight into how project management can be a catalyst for social change and help the audience get involved with PMWB.
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Bio:
Ashley is Director of Social Impact Programs at PMI. She serves as the Executive Director for the PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF) and Project Managers Without Borders (PMWB). She has been with PMI for 11 years and prior to her current role, served for seven years as an Academic Programs Specialist at PMI, helping to connect college and university students with PMI through membership, certification, and the academic sponsored research grant program. Prior to PMI, Ashley spent more than 10 years working in higher education, specifically student affairs; most recently as Dean of Students at a private college in Philadelphia, PA, USA. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education, specializing in curriculum development as well as Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership. Ashley lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA with her husband, son, and elderly cat.
