Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program Success Stories – Adriana Melendez and Adam Frey

July 05, 2024 - Defence Stories

The Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles (LLMC) program is the largest group mentoring program for Defence Team and the Federal Public Service. With over 1500 graduates, LLMC has helped develop inclusive leaders from coast to coast to coast.

The LLMC program is a unique opportunity to network with colleagues and senior leaders, develop your leadership and cultural competencies, and explore career-building opportunities. Registration is now open for cohort #4.

There’s power in people coming together. Let’s hear from two graduates, Adriana Melendez and Adam Frey.

Adriana Melendez, Project Advisor, Development, Innovation and Transformation Office, Indigenous Services Canada

In LLMC, Adriana embraced the opportunity to connect with colleagues and leaders across various government departments - “I work hard to be the best version of myself every day. I find advancement in the public service (PS) very difficult especially for immigrants and I wanted to take advantage of any opportunity available to progress. I find that communities are a great place to feel valuable and listened to, they are a place to help each other out, promote others, and leverage everyone’s strengths to collective knowledge.” The program’s ten-week duration included five required Circle sessions and five optional Masterclasses, each aimed at enhancing interpersonal skills, cultural competencies, and career-building opportunities.

To read more of Adriana’s story, visit the Wiki page.

Adam Frey, Cadre Sergeant Major, Canadian Armed Forces

Adam Frey, a dedicated individual with a diverse background, has made significant strides in his professional journey through LLMC - “It has given me a deeper understanding of cultural subject matter and allayed much of my unconscious bias in addressing difficult subjects of race and privilege as a white male. This has given me a greater comfort and the tools needed to address this subject matter and make it resonate with others in some circumstances.” As the Cadre manager for Traffic Technician (movements logistics) trade training in the Canadian Armed Forces, Adam’s association with the organization spans various capacities since 1999. Beyond his professional life, he is a father, partner, whitewater kayaker, mountain biker, backcountry skier, and adventurer who embraces life to the fullest.

Through LLMC, Adam gained a deeper understanding of cultural subject matter. It also helped him address unconscious biases related to race and privilege as a white male. With newfound knowledge and tools, Adam now approaches these sensitive topics with greater comfort and the ability to resonate with others. His growth extends beyond professional boundaries, impacting his work and personal life.

To read more of Adam’s story, visit the Wiki page.

Join us in LLMC - The Doors Are Open! Inclusion is not just about words, it’s about actions, and the LLMC program is taking meaningful steps in the right direction.

Visit our Wiki page to register for cohort #4 starting September 2024.

Quick Links:

• LLMC 2024 Program Information
• LLMC Cohort 3 Graduation Transcript
• Video: Testimonials from the Lifting as you Lead Mentoring Circles Program (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website)
• Brochure: Lifting as you Lead