Changes

<big>'''[[Diversity and Inclusion Office|Homepage]] | [[Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program 2024|Lifting as you Lead 2024]] | [[Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program Success Stories|Success Stories]] | [[Tracy Stretch - DEAPCM|FR]]'''</big>

<big>'''[[Diversity and Inclusion Office|Homepage]] | [[Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program 2024|Lifting as you Lead 2024]] | [[Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program Success Stories|Success Stories]] | [[Adele Dacres - DEAPCM|FR]]'''</big>

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[[File:Me and Snowy Owl - Tracy Lynn Stretch.jpg|alt=|left|frameless|450x450px]]

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== '''Tracy's Layers''' ==

== '''Adele's Layers''' ==

 

<big>I am Canadian African-Latino person, which I stand on the shoulders of giants. People who shed blood, sweat, tears and even their lives so that I can be employed by Federal Public Services for over 20 years. Which are individuals in the past and present who spoke up when others tried to silence me the individuals who stood up when others tried to force me to sit down; and kept me going. I am Christian who devotes my life to my Lord and Saviour, who has provided me with the ability to this platform (Public Service), the strength to endure the trials, and the humility to maintain my purpose. The journey has proven to be mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically draining. I have become a better person and professional because of this journey, but LLMC program has force me out of isolation mentally and physically. It is wrong and inappropriate to identify an individual or race with a colour; "black people, black woman".</big>

=== [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tstretch/ Linked in] ===

<big>I am woman. My pronouns are she/her. I'm a daughter, sister, aunt, friend and ally. I'm a country-girl living in a city. I'm a proud Disney ex-Cast Member and a 2-time National Bronze Medalist in the sport of boxing. Although I carry childhood trauma and adult anxiety, I feel I come from a place of privilege and an open heart for learning.</big>

 

== '''What motivated you to join the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles program?''' ==

<big>Network! Get a picture of who other departments and Public Service are learning and working under the Diversity and Inclusion umbrella. Discover ideas to take back to my department and meet subject matter experts to and "[[Ask Me Anything: Courageous Conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion|Ask Me Anything]]" panelists for events.</big>

 

<big>Participation in LLMC has provided me with the strength and courage to be a voice and a leader not just at work, but in my community.</big>

 

== '''What specific goals or aspirations do you hope to achieve through this experience?''' ==

<big>I hope to pass along my courage to speak up when others may not be able to do it for themselves. I have the power in "take them with you", meaning when the opportunity to introduce colleagues to senior management, or take them to meetings with me–do it! There is power in numbers. I am a leader. I can make change.</big>

== '''Can you share a specific challenge or opportunity that led you to seek mentorship with the public service?''' ==

== '''Can you share a specific challenge or opportunity that led you to seek mentorship with the public service?''' ==

<big>Coming off/out of the pandemic, I was feeling lonely after working from home, alone, and was needing to meet new people. Also, I was starting to feel stagnate in my role and was looking for a "cool" off the side of my desk opportunity. LLMC was a perfect fit!</big>

<big>The LLMC program challenged me to let go of what I have been taught in my department; It offer the space to release pain, fear, anger, as well as joy, laughter, and receive positive affirmations. Also, I was taught to acknowledge that my emotions are part of who I am as human beings. Wearing masks may be part of our survival, but our masks can cause us to be emotionally, spiritually, and physically unhealthy. We must afford ourselves some type of release; I had to learn this. It took me a long time and some unhealthy spaces but wearing masks for the sake of appearing to be strong for others can only last so long. My healing and learn to value my experiences to grow into the person I am supposed to become, started with the LLMC program.</big>

 

== '''What has most inspired you in this journey of your professional development?''' ==

 

== '''What unique strengths or perspectives do you bring to your circles that can benefit others?''' ==

<big>Leadership, motivation, comfort and a positive attitude.</big>

 

== '''How would you define success for yourself at the end of this Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles program?''' ==

<big>Having the opportunity to lead my Circle gave me the confidence to lead at work and in my community. Everyone can be leader. You can lead at all levels.</big>

 

<big>Knowledge share! Make sure everyone in the room has the opportunity to speak, share their story and/or knowledge. We have a lot to learn from each other. Our experiences in our communities outside of the Public Service can bring real value and insight to the workplace.</big>

== '''Has your view of leadership - and who can be a leader - changed?''' ==

=='''How would you define success for yourself at the end of this Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles program?'''==

<big>Everyone can be leader. You can lead at all levels.</big>

<big>In the LLMC program I have witnessed participants reveal their pains of their pasts, and some for the first time. Abuse, insecurities, and fears were uncovered, and support was followed up by Office Hours facilitators to guide steps to heal wounds. It was empowering to be in the room when individuals can reach down within to love and honor themselves. We have so much power when we recognize who we are and are able to define that for ourselves. Now I can look past the pain and the hurt that I have experience, no matter what workplace environment may throw; collectively we can make such a powerful difference.</big>  

<big>Although there are great moments of self-love at these Circles, there have also been heart-breaking moments of reality. Moments when I realize that no matter how much we are affirmed and can find support in one another, and knowing that support is present, we still need to be strong for those around us. I joined the LLMC program because I believed the environment would be a place where my mind would be challenged, where I would be nourished, and where my interactions with others would lead to growth and development. I was not disappointed!</big>

<big>Yes. I was feeling stagnate in my role, Lifting as you Lead gave me a boost of confidence that I can make a difference and lead, even as a project officer. I also got a small introduction to other departments in the Public Service and made connections I know I can use at another time.</big>

== '''What is the one message you would like to leave us with today?''' ==

== '''What is the one message you would like to leave us with today?''' ==

<big>Thank you! Thank you for creating this program and opening it to everyone. My department has mentoring programs, but no one that fit for me. Thank you for believing my abilities and making my voice heard. The talent and time of the Diversity and Inclusion Office, Materiel Group, National Defence does not go unnoticed.</big>

<big>Always remember "who you are and whose you are". I was tired of trying to figure out how to show up and whom to be on which day. It was challenging and most of all, tired of my colleagues not understanding my work experience. We exist as individual mosaics, each with personalized stories of our journey's, and with each piece collectively we can paint the larger picture for how we want the Public Service to become.</big>

== '''Cohort 4 - Application''' ==

== '''Cohort 4 - Application''' ==