Tracy Stretch - LLMC

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Tracy's Layers

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I am women. 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.

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

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" panelists for events.

How do you envision your participation contributing to your professional growth?

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

To continue a "take me with them" attitude. Knowledge is power! Keep learning and sharing. You are not alone.

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

Leadership, motivation, comfort and a positive attitude.

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

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.

How can you apply what you learned from the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles program to the workplace?

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.

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

Everyone can be leader. You can lead at all levels.

Do you view your public service career differently after participating in the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles program?

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.

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

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.