Meet Dr. Chandra "Joy" Dunn
Transforming Product and Project Management Through AI and Education
Chandra Dunn, PMP, PhD is the Founder and CEO of Joy of PM AI Solutions, an education and consulting firm that transforms product and project management through AI, cloud computing, and data analytics. She combines deep project management expertise with production-grade AI engineering capability to help small business owners and mid-market teams eliminate administrative burden and focus on strategic work that drives results.
With a PhD in International Affairs from American University and six AWS certifications including Solutions Architect Associate, Data Engineer Associate, Machine Learning Engineer Associate, AI Practitioner, Cloud Practitioner, and Generative AI Developer Professional, Chandra brings a rare combination of analytical depth and hands-on technical skill. She has completed the MIT xPRO Designing and Building AI Products and Services program and is currently deepening her expertise through the rigorous MIT Applied AI and Data Science Professional program.
Proven Track Record
At the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Chandra led a $2.7 million road test system implementation, delivering it two months ahead of schedule and $500,000 under budget with zero security incidents and a 30 percent reduction in customer wait times.
Her track record includes supporting over $25 million in technology transformations, always with a focus on making systems more efficient and accessible for the people who use them.
Technical Excellence
Through Joy of PM AI Solutions, Chandra implements custom AI solutions using a platform-agnostic approach across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, with transparent pricing and complete client ownership of all deliverables.
Her Forward Deployed Engineering approach means she does not hand off a strategy deck and walk away. She builds, deploys, and iterates alongside clients from assessment through production to ongoing support.
YouTube Channel: Joy of PM
Through the Joy of PM YouTube channel, Chandra does not just demo AI tools. She builds real AI systems and shows you what is under the hood, so you can understand, use, and implement AI from first principles to production without getting buried in math. Her content includes free AWS certification exam prep with detailed practice question walkthroughs, hands-on demos and reviews of leading AI platforms, and the 'AI Blueprints' series covering nine concepts every business owner needs to know.
Current playlists feature practice questions and explanations for the AWS Generative AI Developer Professional and AWS AI Practitioner certification exams. Whether you are a curious beginner, a career changer, or an SMB operator looking for practical AI literacy, this channel offers a clear path from understanding to implementation.
Journey of Continuous Learning
Chandra's journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and reinvention. From her early career as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Tennessee to her current work building production-grade data pipelines for under $1/month using AWS, she demonstrates that persistent problem-solving and strategic skill development can open new pathways in any career.
"Embrace the learning curve. Strategic career transitions require patience, but combining your existing strengths with new technical skills creates a competitive advantage that is hard to replicate. Focus on solving problems that matter. When your work creates real impact and value for clients, the technical challenges become opportunities for growth rather than obstacles."
Beyond Work
Outside of work, Chandra enjoys walking, playing tennis and soccer, and finds clarity and renewal hiking the trails of New England, reflecting her deep love of nature. She also channels her curiosity into personal data and AI projects, constantly exploring new ways cloud architecture can transform how we work.