January 2022 - Lesli Castaneda, CMP

Lesli Castaneda, CMP Director, Leadership Development (2021-2022)

Hello fellow MPI Georgia members,

Happy New Year! Wow, it’s been a crazy two years! I think we have all learned a lot about ourselves during this time of change. For me it was a chance to get re-engaged with MPI Georgia.  

Over the past 17 years of MPI membership I have held volunteer positions within the Grants & Recognitions Committee, Phoenix Awards Committee and I currently serve on the CMP Study Group Committee. I have previously held a position on the Board of Directors as the Director, Education & Programs. As the current Director of Leadership Development my role allows me to help develop leadership opportunities within the chapter. Our team has focused on building our committee and we are currently working on a new Mentorship Program for the chapter.

One of my favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein- “we cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them”. I have challenged myself over the past two years to do things differently. I encourage you to jump in and volunteer! This is the best way to make the most of your MPI membership. Find areas of interest you might not encounter in your everyday life. It’s a chance to expand your horizon and learn skills you may not otherwise learn. My MPI membership has given me the opportunity to build relationships within our industry, provided me with important education, skills, and helped me find new ways of thinking.  

I encourage everyone to try something new in 2022!