Your Journey
I worked in a factory for 14 years, which suited my life as I was a one-parent family, I could clock in and clock out with no worries at all. During the last three years of my time at the factory, I started to get restless thinking I need more in my life than what I was doing I was encouraged to put in an application for a job working in the Brownhills Community office, just answering the phone and doing the filing. Much to my surprise I was successful, and as time went on, I supported the Adult Education officer with setting up classes and taking payments, she then left the organisation, and I took up the role on a full-time basis. Three years later I was promoted to Deputy Manager and then 4 years later the Manager left, and I took the role as Senior Community Manager, which I have now been doing for 11 years.
Accomplishments you are exceptionally proud of
I am proud to have had the opportunity to help as many people as I have, during my 24 years working in a community setting. Just helping someone even if it is a little thing, can mean such a lot to that person, I pride myself on following things through If I say I am going to do something I do it to the best of my ability.
One of my proudest moments was being awarded a plaque at the Mayors awards two years ago, I felt very humbled to receive recognition for something I enjoy doing so much.
What inspires and motivates you?
People, and their strength and determination to achieve, when we all say we cannot, I think yes, we can and you can, maybe not in the way you first thought but we can do it differently.
Partnership working and the strength it brings with like-minded people inspires me to do more. Since I have taken on the role of the Chair of the Walsall Community Network, I feel more inspired to continue to leave a legacy for other people to come and take over where I leave off, to build those partnerships and make sure they are strong enough to grow and continue.
When I think back over my 24 years, I have never felt so inspired and motivated as I do now, the people I work with, the partnerships that have been formed, and the residents who come into our center, all play a part in my success.
The obstacles you have faced to get to where you are today
I do not think I have had many obstacles to face, but more so challenges, and I would like to think during those times I have thought of a plan for moving forward. Sometimes it has been more about talking and thinking through the obstacle or challenges and finding a solution to resolve the issue, for me it comes back once again to people and the support mechanism that you have in place.
I know people I can go to in confidence and ask advice if I cannot work things out for myself. Sometimes you need that support to ask, “am I doing the right thing” I would like to think I am open and transparent in my approach, but I am willing to take constructive criticism if needed. I then learn a lesson for the future.
What would you say to your younger self with the benefit of hindsight?
To believe in dreams and aspirations, if you want to do something enough you will achieve it. I worked in a factory with no qualifications from school and felt I would never have a good career, I was given the opportunity to get some qualifications, I was given the opportunity to get a better job, I was given the opportunity !!!!!! Take it whilst you can.
A quote or saying that you live by
Never treat anyone any differently to the way you want to be treated. Respect everyone, regardless of who they are.
‘A problem is really an opportunity in disguise!!!!’
