Your journey
I have worked for DWP for the last 18 years in a variety of roles, as the Jobcentre Leader, I gained an understanding of customer needs within the community and secured closer collaborative working to help customers move forward onto employability.
As an Employer Advisor Manager for Walsall I represent DWP on the Walsall Economic Skills Board. and have valuable experience of working closely with Employers across the Borough to create opportunities and jobs for our jobseekers. I am passionate about working in the community and the benefits partnership work brings to integrate communities.
Accomplishments that make you exceptionally proud
I believe in the power of partnerships and collaborative working, my current role has given me the opportunity to lead a team of Community Connectors who have been proactive in the community establishing great supportive networks to empower women to believe in themselves and inspire them to achieve via training, work experience and securing employment.
Organising outreach activities, coffee mornings, and Empowering Women’s Workshops to bring communities together makes me proud as I can see the positive impact these make first-hand on the lives of women.
What inspires and motivates you?
I am a self-motivated individual and believe that I can make a difference, I accept I can’t help everyone but I can help someone. I lead my team and inspire them to do the same as I believe together we can make a greater impact in changing lives for the better.
Throughout my career which began as a shop assistant, then after-school Support, youth worker as well as Employment and Training Advisor Leader with DWP I have learned that we can all impact others by listening. I find that it’s imperative as you can learn so much more about others and make a real difference to people.
The obstacles you have faced to get to where you are today
I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds and am able to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels, which is very important if you want to be approachable and have meaningful and positive engagement that makes a difference to the people we deliver services for.
I have also learned that you need to be true to yourself and although you may face difficulties along the way, you always learn from the experience and this will make you stronger.
What would you say to your younger self with the benefit of hindsight?
Be brave, speak up, others may be silent but we need to hear your voice to make change happen.
A quote or saying that you live by
*Believe in yourself
*Be true to yourself
*Keep positive company and the rest will follow
