Gretchen Bickerstaff, IMA South Africa, October 2024

Attending the IMA Conference in Stockholm was truly a transformative experience for me, both professionally and personally. As one of the first recipients of the Sonia Vanular Fund, this opportunity was especially meaningful and highly contributed towards my trip to Sweden.

I left the conference feeling empowered and excited about the future. This experience was not just about learning; it was about belonging to a community that celebrates achievements and encourages personal growth. For anyone considering joining IMA, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take that step. The support, inspiration, and opportunities for connection are truly invaluable. IMA has truly changed my life!

I have recently joined the Danish IMA board and by joining the conference it was eye-opening to witness how truly International the International Management Assistants is. The South African team had really lined up and provided a unique vantage point.

The real brilliance of the conference lay in the connections forged. Meeting fellow professionals from Zimbabwe to Italy -  from South Africa of course, and beyond- I expanded my network and, more importantly, enriched my understanding of the diverse contexts in which we operate.

The social aspects of the conference were equally instrumental in fostering meaningful connections. It wasn't just about exchanging business cards; it was about forming lasting relationships and gaining fresh perspectives that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors.

Oya Karabulut, IMA Germany, November 2023

What touched me the most was the immense solidarity and goodwill among all the participants. You rarely experience something like that in life. At least I do, working in the shark tank that is Frankfurt, where there is always a society of elbows.

My first contact with IMA was overwhelming for me, a huge thunderclap into a completely new perspective on my job. I am no longer just the little assistant who follows her boss's instructions. I am a key person, an ambassador between two worlds (I do build bridges!), my job is important and significant. Today, I go to work in a completely different way than before I met IMA. I am eternally grateful for that.

Oya wrote an article for IMA Insights about her experience - you can read it here.

Isabel Branco, Lisbon, Portugal - individual IMA member, August 2024

Hi, my name is Isabel Branco and I’m from Lisbon, Portugal. As a Management Assistant, I can say that belonging to the International Management Assistants (IMA) Association offers a rewarding and enriching experience for professionals in the administrative field. Members benefit from a supportive global network of like-minded individuals, fostering both personal and professional growth. The association provides access to a wealth of resources, including workshops, seminars, and conferences that enhance skills and knowledge. Additionally, IMA encourages cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, broadening perspectives and career opportunities. The sense of community within IMA ensures members feel valued and inspired, creating an environment where they can thrive and contribute to the advancement of the profession. This was the reason I joined IMA last 2022.

My first experience in IMA was in the annual Conference in Helsinki at 2022 where I had the pleasure to meet hundreds of colleagues from a lot of countries and make friendship with some of them personally. Each time we meet, we learn a lot with each other’s. Networking for me is the biggest key to improve our development as individuals and professionals in this area.

Thanks to IMA I made a lot of friends and improved my professional and individual skills of communication. A special thanks to my Danish colleagues who welcomed me so well from the first day in Helsinki and Rome this year.

Nothing to lose, always winning and moving forward.