PMI SWVA Coffee Chat: The PMO Value Proposition
What value does your PMO bring—and how do you get others to see it?
A Project Management Office (PMO) can play a critical role in driving organizational success, but demonstrating its value and securing stakeholder buy-in are often among the biggest challenges PMO leaders face. Join PMI-SWVA for an engaging and interactive discussion as we discuss the PMO value proposition from multiple perspectives. We'll explore real-world challenges, share practical strategies for demonstrating PMO value, aligning initiatives with business objectives, and gaining stakeholder buy-in across the organization. Whether you're building a PMO, leading one, or partnering with one, you'll leave with actionable insights and fresh perspectives from fellow project professionals.
Speaker(s):
Emma von der Lieth is a Project Assistant, CAPM® at Delta Dental of Virginia. Ms. von der Lieth has been with Delta Dental of Virginia since March 2020 and earned the promotion of Project Assistant from Senior Administrative Assistant in March 2022. In her position as Project Assistant, Ms. von der Lieth provides executive assistance to the Chief Operating Officer and assists with Sales, Account Management, Network, and Operations projects. Ms. von der Lieth is also a part of the Smile Ambassadors program within Delta Dental of Virginia. The Smile Ambassadors are a group of select employees who work closely with the Director of the Delta Dental of Virginia non-profit Foundation to develop volunteer plans and encourage employees to give back to their community, with a focus on oral health. In addition, Ms. von der Lieth was nominated to participate in a 10-week leadership course provided by Delta Dental of Virginia for upcoming leaders within the organization, and successfully completed the course.
Prior to her work with Delta Dental of Virginia, Ms. von der Lieth was a Project Coordinator for Metis Insurance.
During the summer of 2019, Ms. von der Lieth volunteered in Athens, Greece with Melissa Network, a grassroots non-profit organization that provides services to women and children refugees. At this organization, Ms. von der Lieth assisted the organization as an Early Childhood Educator and developed lesson plans for children ranging in grade levels from kindergarten to high school. As a part of this non-profit, Ms. von der Lieth participated in Volunteer Coordination meetings with volunteers from similar organizations in Greece. The purpose of these Volunteer Coordination meetings was to develop partnership plans and share best practices.
In her free time, Ms. von der Lieth enjoys taking her weekly modern Greek language courses, reading novels, and walking the Roanoke greenway. She lives with her husband in downtown Roanoke.
Education: B.A. International Relations with French Minor, Roanoke College; Phi Beta Kappa Member.


