Written by Helen Monument, IMA Netherlands

I have so many memories of my 30+ years of membership of EAPS - EUMA - IMA I don’t know where to start!

The 2003 Conference ‘’Riding the Waves of Change” was the one and only time that we held a two-day conference. It was a great success!!

My first international event was the UK Conference in 199? (can’t exactly remember the year!). I had been in the profession for about ten years, working as a Secretary (as we were called then). The EAPS Executive Chair was Valerie Greet and I was in absolute awe of her ability to stand in front of a room full of people and talk about the profession, the association and the conference so confidently and eloquently. I did not in my wildest dreams imagine that a few years later I would be in exactly the same position, doing the same thing, first as Association Secretary (1999-2000) and as Executive Chair of EUMA from 2001 to 2002.

That image has always stayed with me and reminded me that my professional journey – which started with EAPS in The Netherlands so many years ago – would bring me to where I am today. With a 40 year career behind me, my own coaching and training business and being the Chair of the World Administrators Alliance. I would not have achieved half as much if it were not for EAPS/EUMA/IMA. At this professional home, I learned all the leadership skills that I needed in a safe environment, supported by people I trust.

IMA - Thank you!!

Helen Monument, IMA Netherlands and the WA Alliance