A Milestone in Mentorship: Highlights from The Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program Graduation
June 21, 2024 - Defence Stories
On April 17, we gathered to celebrate the graduation ceremony of this year's Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program. We stood at the intersection of growth, inclusion, and impact. The LLMC journey took participants through ten weeks of shared learning, dialogue, and connection and has left an indelible mark on their professional lives and the Defence Team and Federal Public Service as a whole. The graduation ceremony was a momentous occasion filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and celebration. Graduates are the mentors and unsung heroes of the program and deserve heartfelt applause for their commitment to creating psychological safety and cultural excellence in their workplace.
The third cohort of LLMC had 779 graduates from 59 organizations. It was an incredible opportunity for participants to engage in mentorship, culture building, and to reflect on the incredible journey they embarked upon together. Since the start of the program in September 2023, they have achieved personal and professional growth, forged meaningful connections, and contributed to a more inclusive federal public service.
The graduation ceremony included graduates Suzan Richards, Sytuis Guei, Regan Braund, Catherine Goueth and Luc Doré, who stepped forward and shared their personal journey through LLMC. Their narratives were diverse, with experience of resilience, breakthroughs, and new-found purpose in the public service. They spoke of overcoming imposter syndrome and highlighted the impact of supportive mentors.
Two LLMC Masterclass teachers also joined the stage with their convocation speech. Dale Allen and Gérard Étienne, who are seasoned diversity and inclusion leaders and advocates shared words of wisdom with the graduates and congratulated them on their commitment to inclusive leadership. Their words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship and community. Throughout the program, these visionary leaders from diverse backgrounds have engaged with mentees, fostering a supportive learning environment. Their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has left a lasting impact on participants, encouraging them to take meaningful action within the federal public service.
The Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles program brings together a diverse group of participants who are enthusiastic about supporting and empowering culture change. Participants come from various backgrounds, experiences, and levels within Defence Team and the Government of Canada. Together in the LLMC group mentoring circles they share their collective expertise on a wide range of topics, including leadership, career development, diversity and inclusion, anti-racism, negotiation, and work-life balance. Throughout the program there was lots of engagement in the mentoring circles and office hours where participants felt supported and a strong sense of belonging.
LLMC is one of a kind and was created to make a difference in the Federal Public Service. It is the largest group mentoring program for Government of Canada and Canadian Armed Forces members. It helps participants pursue both personal and professional growth.
LLMC Cohort #4 is presently accepting applications. The doors are open and we welcome all Defence Team and Federal Public Servants to apply. The deadline is June 30. The application can be found here: Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program 2024
Together, we lift as we lead, by connecting, elevating, and inspiring.
LLMC is brought to you by the Diversity and Inclusion Office, Materiel Group, National Defence. For more information, please connect:
Email: diversityandinclusion-diversiteetinclusion@forces.gc.ca
Wiki: Diversity_and_Inclusion_Office
Together, let’s work together towards a more equitable, psychologically safer, diverse and inclusive Federal Public Service. Inclusion means everyone, always.