Colleen Jackson - LLMC
Homepage | Lifting as you Lead 2024 | Success Stories | FR
Bianti's Layers
When people see me they don't know what box to put me in. If allowed to check some of the boxes that are part of how I see myself I would check the following:
- Christian who wants to know Jesus more each day. I love studying the Bible especially with friends who are learning Hebrew and Greek.
- Mixed is the category I prefer to check as I am Black, Indigenous, and White and so many other layers from those identities.
- Artist who sings opera, gospel, and jazz. I am a dancer, poet, and a visual artist just for fun.
- Dual citizen fits my mixed heritage as I am an American born and raised in Wisconsin who chose to immigrate and is now proudly Canadian.
There are so many other layers that make up who we are and these just a few that are important to me.
What motivated you to join the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles program?
As a relatively new public servant, I joined LLMC so I could have the opportunity to learn more about the work that is done in different departments. By participating in LLMC I now have access to a wide network of people across Canada and am more aware of micro-assignments and missions where I can put my developing skills into practice.
What has most inspired you in this journey of your professional development?
Second language proficiency has been one area of professional development that, at times, has felt like a huge obstacle to overcome as someone who immigrated to Canada and did not grow up speaking French. Through participating in initiatives with circle members wanting to improve their second language I have already seen a noticeable improvement in my willingness to make mistakes and practice my second language with much more ease than before. I am so thankful for the vulnerable discussions that have been shared in LLMC office-hour meetings and for the broader network of people truly lifting each other as we lead and exercising the different gifts and talents we have been given in order to develop each other. What a precious gift!
What unique strengths or perspectives do you bring to your circles that can benefit others?
I am a facilitator who truly cares about hearing from everyone in the room. I am comfortable with silence and taking time for reflection so that no matter the method of sharing, hopefully all voices have an opportunity to be heard. My perspective as an artist is a strength as it motivates me to try new approaches and be open to the suggestions of others, in order to create something beautiful and fruitful together.
How can you apply what you learned from the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles program to the workplace?
The normality of creating safe space and investing in developing people are two key strengths of the LLMC program that I have already applied and will continue to apply in my workplace. In carving time to collaborate with colleagues, whether virtually or in person, I have been able to share training and resources that have impacted me. By holding space for deeper reflection and encouraging vulnerable discussions I hope to see a ripple effect. I want to promote an environment where fear is cast off in daily interactions so we can be genuine, learn and grow together. The importance of speaking up and asking questions when things seem off is one of the areas I hope to continue growing in. I know it is easier to remain silent, but the result of silence is stagnancy. I want to be where the water is flowing and full of life. It is in this active space where change happens and hopefully positively impacts future generations.
What is the one message you would like to leave us with today?
The gems of wisdom and insight shared at LLMC are so valuable that even on a sick day I wanted to attend meetings. That's when you know something is valuable where the FOMO (fear of missing out) is real! So, if you are considering joining the next cohort, you have been warned. Be sure to stock up on vitamin C and stay healthy because trust me, you don't want to miss out.
Cohort 4 - Application
Are you interested in joining a growing network of enthusiastic learners, visionary leaders, and engaged listeners? Are you looking for an experience that will equip you with the skills to take meaningful action for diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Click here to apply for LLMC in 2024!
The application deadline is: Sunday, June 30, 2024.
