“The power of project management is in the ability to transform vision into structured success.”
Kentwiga Mulenga Katalyeba is a seasoned Project Manager in the banking sector with over 14 years of experience in delivering key projects and effectively managing organizational change, successfully merging her background in Information Technology (IT) with project management strategies to drive efficiency in financial operations. Her journey has been one of adaptation, learning and leadership, allowing her to bridge technical expertise with structured project execution in an evolving industry.
Let’s Explore Her Educational and Career Journey
Kentwiga’s professional journey began when she earned her degree in Information Technology (IT). Initially, she envisioned herself pursuing a career in IT management, but a turning point came when she landed an opportunity in change management.
“My career journey began 14 years ago when I completed my degree in IT, with the initial expectation of becoming an IT manager. However, a fortunate opportunity led me down a different path—one where I could apply my IT skills in project management. I joined the change management team, where I was able to merge my technical knowledge with the strategic aspects of managing projects”, Kentwiga shares.
This transition proved to be pivotal in her career, allowing her to integrate IT-driven solutions into project management processes. Over time, Kentwiga’s role evolved into leading banking projects, ensuring the successful implementation of new systems, digital transformations and operational enhancements.
What Inspired Her to Pursue Project Management?
What drew Kentwiga to project management was the ability to bring structure to complex problems and guide teams toward a shared goal.
She reflects, “I think what really drew me to project management was the idea of helping teams come together to solve complex problems while keeping everything organized and moving forward. The ability to break down a big goal into smaller, manageable tasks and guide people through that process—while adapting to challenges along the way—is something I find really rewarding.”For Kentwiga, project management is dynamic, ever-changing and full of opportunities to innovate, which is what continues to fuel her passion in the field.
Getting Her PMP® Certification was an Unforgettable Journey
Driven by her passion and dedication in learning new skills and standards in project management, Kentwiga decided to pursue the PMP® certification. The journey, even though worth it, it was not without challenges.
“As I pursued the PMP® certification, there were definitely challenges along the way, particularly the fear of failure and finding enough time to study. Balancing the demands of work, family, and preparation for the certification was tough. I realized that in order to succeed, I had to make sacrifices. I dedicated extra time to study, even if it meant cutting back on family time”, she recalls.
Through perseverance and time management, she overcame these obstacles and successfully attained her certification, reinforcing her expertise and confidence in leading projects.
Earning the PMP® Certification Paid off for Her Career
Kentwiga shares that earning the PMP certification has been a game changer in her career. It has provided her with a structured approach to project execution, improved stakeholder communication and the ability to manage risks effectively.
She shares, “One project that stands out where my certification played a crucial role involved instances when I had to manage a diverse team with varying personalities and communication styles. The team members came from different backgrounds and each had their own strengths and challenges. The PMP® certification training gave me valuable tools on how to effectively engage the team, build rapport and communicate with different levels, from senior executives to project team members.”
The certification journey gave her the leadership skills necessary to adapt her communication approach, ensuring that all team members were aligned and motivated. Additionally, she applies Agile principles, enabling the team to stay flexible and responsive to changes, ultimately leading to a successful project outcome.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Project Management
Kentwiga acknowledges that being a woman in project management comes with unique challenges, including overcoming self-doubt and skepticism from colleagues.
“Yes, as a woman in project management, I have encountered challenges, particularly dealing with an inferiority complex and facing skepticism from the team. At times, my capabilities were questioned, and I had to work harder to prove my value and earn the respect of others.”
She overcame these biases by building confidence in her skills and consistently delivering results. “Overcoming this involved building confidence in my skills and demonstrating my expertise through results. I focused on consistently delivering successful projects, establishing trust, and showing that my leadership was rooted in knowledge and experience, not just gender.”
Onwards and upwards; Advice to Aspiring Women in Project Management
Through her years of experience, Kentwiga has learned that success in project management is driven by boldness, teamwork and focus on results.
Kentwiga shares “In project management, I’ve learned the importance of being bold and staying focused on goals to drive progress and achieve success. One of the key strategies that has helped me thrive is engaging the team from the very beginning. This ensures everyone is aligned and working toward the same objectives, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration throughout the project.
For women looking to break into or grow in project management, her advice is simple but powerful:
Her advice to women looking to grow in project management would be: “Believe in your potential and embrace the journey. This career is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. With determination, confidence and the right mindset, you can excel in this or any field. Project management offers a diverse and dynamic environment where you can develop valuable skills, make an impact and lead with purpose. Stay curious, seek opportunities for growth and trust in your ability to succeed.”
About HER STORY
The HER STORY initiative by HEBO highlights the incredible journeys of women breaking barriers in project management. Each of these certified professionals has leveraged PMI certification to elevate their careers, proving that structured knowledge, resilience, and leadership can drive success across industries.
Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate, inspire, and empower more women in project management! 🚀 #IWD2025 #WomenInProjectManagement
