We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Asya Watkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Asya below.

Hi Asya, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Women Of Project Management® was born from a problem I was living every day.

Early in my project management career, I often found myself as one of the only Black women in the room. I was navigating complex projects, building my career, and searching for community, but I rarely saw spaces created specifically for women like me. I didn’t see many examples of Black women in project management leadership, and I knew I couldn’t be the only one looking for connection, mentorship, and representation.

What started as a simple online community quickly grew into something much bigger. Women Of Project Management® became a place where women could learn, connect, share opportunities, and support one another at every stage of their careers. Over the years, that vision expanded into conferences, mentorship opportunities, professional development programs, and a global community of remarkable women.

Along the way, I realized many of the lessons I had learned throughout my corporate and entrepreneurial journey needed a home beyond social media posts and conference stages. That led me to write The Little Black Book of Project Management Advice. The book combines practical career guidance, leadership lessons, and encouragement for project managers who are trying to build meaningful careers while navigating challenges, growth, and change.

What excited me most then, and still excites me today, is helping women see what is possible for themselves. Every conference attendee, community member, and reader reminds me why this work matters. The idea started with a desire to create the community I wished existed. Today, it has grown into a movement that continues to open doors, create opportunities, and help women realize they belong in every room they enter.

Asya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Asya Watkins, author of The Little Black Book of Project Management Advice and founder of Women Of Project Management® (WOPM), a global community that supports women at every stage of their project management careers through membership, conferences, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. My career began in corporate project management, where I led complex initiatives across multiple industries before transitioning into entrepreneurship.

What sets my work apart is the combination of practical career guidance and genuine community. Through Women Of Project Management®, I’ve spent more than a decade creating spaces where women can connect, learn, and grow professionally. Through my book, I share the lessons, strategies, and encouragement I wish I had earlier in my own career. I’m most proud of the thousands of women we’ve helped advance their careers, build confidence, and recognize their value as leaders. My mission is simple: to help more women see what’s possible and give them the tools to get there.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of my career happened when I was removed from a project I had successfully led for months. My work had been praised, my leadership team found no issues with my performance, yet I was replaced just weeks before launch after the client discovered I was Black. For a long time, I carried the embarrassment and self-doubt that came with that experience. I kept asking myself what I could have done differently.

Eventually, I realized the lesson wasn’t about my performance. It was about resilience. I chose not to let that moment define my worth or limit my future. Instead, I poured my energy into creating opportunities and community for other women navigating similar challenges. That experience helped shape Women Of Project Management®, influenced my book The Little Black Book of Project Management Advice, and strengthened my commitment to helping women recognize their value regardless of the obstacles they face.

Looking back, what felt like a setback became fuel. Sometimes the moments that test us most deeply become the foundation for the work we’re ultimately called to do.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that if I worked hard enough, everything else would take care of itself. Early in my career, I believed excellence was enough. I thought the best work would always speak for itself, opportunities would naturally appear, and recognition would automatically follow.

Over time, I learned that while hard work matters, visibility matters too. Relationships matter. Confidence matters. Advocating for yourself matters. Some of the most talented people I know remain overlooked because they are waiting for someone else to notice their value.

That realization changed how I approached both my career and my business. It also became one of the recurring themes in my book, The Little Black Book of Project Management Advice. I wanted readers to understand that success is not just about doing great work. It’s about owning your expertise, using your voice, building meaningful connections, and being willing to take up space.

Today, I still believe in hard work. I just no longer believe it should carry the entire burden of a person’s success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://womenofpm.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenofpm/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asyawatkins/

Image Credits

Shekeidra Booker IG: @smarchephoto