Self-Compassion and Neuroplasticity

Diversity and Inclusion Office | LLMC 2024 | FR

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm ET

Event Description

Join us for an insightful and transformative Masterclass. This Masterclass aims to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to cultivate self-compassion and leverage the principles of neuroplasticity to enhance personal and professional well-being. Understanding how to nurture self-compassion and harness the brain's ability to adapt and grow is crucial for maintaining resilience, mental health, and effectiveness.

Explore techniques for developing self-kindness, mindfulness, and emotional regulation while learning how to rewire your brain for positive change and improved performance. Whether navigating challenging situations, enhancing your leadership skills, or striving for better work-life balance, this Masterclass will equip you with the tools to foster a compassionate mindset and unlock your brain's potential for growth and adaptation.

Masterclass Teachers

Alejandro Gonzalez, Senior Change Management Advisor, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Originally from México, Alejandro came with his wife to Canada in 2001, then joined the Public Service in 2007, and he is being leading Mindfulness at work sessions since 2013. Alejandro’s particular interest is in Mindful, Change & Leadership. He has participated in various Mindfulness trainings, including the acclaimed one from Google’s Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI for short), he received the Five Mindfulness Training from the Blue Cliff Monastery, founded by Thich Nhat Hanh. He also participated in the Self-Compassion training with Dr. Kristin Neff, among other activities.

Alejandro is also part of the Leadership Team of the Interdepartmental Organizational Change Network (IOCN), a volunteer organization dedicated to raising awareness of organizational development, change management and mindful leadership within the public service. As part of Alejandro’s background,  he obtained a Bachelor in Science, in Computer Systems Engineering and a master degree in Administration, with focus on HR and Organizations, both from Tec de Monterrey, also holds a master degree in Organizational Development from Universidad de Monterrey. Now, he is working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Enterprise Change and Learning Academy Branch, as a Senior Change Management Advisor.

Ginette Bailey, Manager, Office of the Secretary to the Governor General

Hailing from Lorette, Manitoba, Ginette's journey has been one of exploration, growth, and a deepening commitment to well-being. As a military spouse, she embraced the opportunity to live in Germany, England, and Scotland starting in 2002. Returning to Canada in 2008, she eventually settled in Ottawa in 2015 and embarked on a new chapter by joining the public service in 2017. At the Department of National Defence (DND), Ginette played a pivotal role in creating the Mental Health and Workplace Initiative, championing a culture of better work-life balance. Her dedication led to the initiative's adoption across the DND, promoting a healthier and more mindful workplace environment. Ginette's transition to the Public Service Occupational Health Program in December 2019 marked another significant shift. Focusing on COVID-19 advice and guidance, she realized the profound importance of inner change and mindfulness in maintaining work-life harmony.

In February 2022, Ginette joined the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (OSGG) as a Senior Project Officer, where she discovered the transformative power of the Mindful Change Leadership Development Program. This experience enriched her appreciation for mindfulness, enhancing her personal and professional life. Now in a managerial role at OSGG, Ginette oversees various critical areas, including Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Compensation and Benefits, Awards and Recognition, Champions, Surveys, Official Languages, Hybrid Work, Mental Health and Wellness, Values and Ethics, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Ombuds Coordination. Her leadership continues to inspire a balanced, mindful, and wellness-oriented approach within her organization.

Co-hosts

Samantha Moonsammy, Section Head Lead Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion, Materiel Group, National Defence

Samantha has spent over 20 years in the public service working in numerous communications, outreach and engagement initiatives that focus on the people side of business. But Samantha is much more than that. Her layers include being a woman, mother, partner, daughter, sister, community builder and immigrant.

As an Indo-Caribbean Canadian, she was born in Guyana, South America and immigrated to Canada as a toddler. From a young age, dating back to elementary school to the present, Samantha has been a leader in diversity, inclusion and equity, always helping to amplify the voice of others and create sustainable change in organizations to build deeper respect and understanding for all humans. Samantha lives in the Ottawa area and spent some time in Toronto and Barbados during her Master’s degree in Communications and Culture. She is a passionate world traveller who has worked and studied in India, China, France and the Caribbean. Her daily mantra:  Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Suzan Richards, Senior Program Advisor, Office of the ADM, Settlement, Integration and Francophone Affairs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Founder of The Cultural Arts Studio,  Suzan is also professional artist and a cultural knowledge keeper in the area of Afro-Caribbean dance. She is committed to preserving and sharing Afro-Caribbean culture to this day and currently providing workshops at the National Arts Center where dances from Africa & The Caribbean are shared and celebrated.

In addition, Suzan is on the Board of Directors with Multicultural Arts In Schools and Communities (MASC), a local non-profit organization that offers schools and communities artistic experiences that awaken the creative process, deepen cultural awareness, encourage engagement, and give a vivid demonstration of Canada's diversity. You can also find her on Rogers-22 as host of Caribbean Calendar as part of their Cultural Mosaic programming.

Suzan is a proud recipient of a 2022-100 Most Accomplished Black Canadian Women Award by the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine and Canada International Black Women Excellence (CIBWE) - Top 100 Black Women to Watch of 2022.