How did I start?
In 2007, I’d just spent six months overseas re-evaluating where I wanted to be going professionally. I’d been working as a freelancer for a while, but had recently completed a Masters of Counselling. I decided my plan would be to work part-time in an organisation like RAQ to consolidate those skills, then strike out as a freelancer again, but I’ve been here for twelve years and am now the manager of Diversity and Inclusion, so it didn’t quite work out that way.
Why RAQ?
The flexibility and the amount of collegial support was something I’d never really experienced. It was the first time I’d been in a workplace where I felt there was that collaboration towards professional growth and teamwork. I’d been freelancing for a long time before then, and those were new elements that I really enjoyed – not just being a lone wolf, but building things stronger together. Working within that safe, supportive framework helped me to dive deeper into the work I wanted to do.
Also, we are an organisation that is so inclusive of such a broad range of people that, even without stepping out to other agencies and a larger network, you get to connect with so many different individuals with amazing stories and journeys. And I think from that, I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person, where I fit and how I want to be in the world. I’m eternally grateful for getting to be a part of conversations that have made me a lot more aware of my privilege and position in society.
What have I learned?