Adele Dacres - LLMC

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Adele's Layers

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 a 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. This 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".

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

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.

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

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 honour 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.

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!

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

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.

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.