Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (DEIB) | Human Resources Director | Feminist, Disability Advocate
Policy Analyst | Strategic Planner | Project Manager | Fundraiser & Event Planner | Writer
Meet Lisa Beere, a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (DEIB), Human Resources Director, Feminist, Disability Advocate, Policy Analyst, Strategic Planner, Project Manager, Fundraiser, and Event Planner. Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and a passion for creating positive change. Lisa is a proven senior leader with a collaborative, results-driven approach, showcasing her capabilities both onsite and remotely. Her extensive career spans across various sectors, including government, recreation, social services, defense, health, and the not-for-profit sector. In her impactful roles, she has served as Chief of Operations, National Human Resources Director, Human Resources Team Leader, Human Resources Planner, Employment Equity Advisor, and Senior Analyst at the departmental level working for the Canadian Government. As a Specialties expert, Lisa excels in Strategic Human Resources Planning, Metrics and Analytics, Recruitment and Retention, Talent Management, Employee Relations, Teambuilding, Policy Development, Analysis and Review, Project Management, and more. Her wealth of experience extends to Budgeting, Grant Writing, Program Management, Facilitation, Mentoring, and Training and Development. Lisa's journey took an unexpected turn when faced with a head injury, challenging her to re-enter the workforce. She emerged victorious, not letting the injury define her. Lisa shares valuable advice, emphasizing the importance of information interviews and the need for meticulous organization by using post-its to document insights. In the aftermath of my body colliding with the doorframe, my mind remained alert, refusing to surrender to the consequences of a head injury. Determined not to let my condition dictate my narrative, I embarked on a journey of recovery. Battling the newly acquired dyslexia brought on by the injury, I found solace in the written word. Writing became my sanctuary, a means to relearn how to piece together my thoughts coherently. Despite the challenges, I considered myself fortunate. As the ink flowed from my pen, I discovered the transformative power of storytelling. Encouraged by a tenacious spirit, I approached my doctor with a unique request—to share my stories with the world.
To my surprise, laughter filled the room as my doctor suggested that even the simple act of walking to the mailbox could serve as physiotherapy. Undeterred, I took a bold step and approached a publisher. The result? My stories, once confined to the pages of recovery, now dance vividly in the hands of young readers as enchanting children's books. In the face of adversity, I found my voice and a new purpose, turning a journey of struggle into a triumph of resilience. In her current role as the National Human Resources Director and Chief of Operations at the Canadian Center for Women's Empowerment (CCFWE), Lisa leads with passion. She writes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plans, heads HR Team meetings, and spearheads DE&I initiatives. Her role involves extensive research and communication to senior management on best practices in human resources, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Lisa's impact extends beyond her professional roles. As a Writer (Business & Creative) & Consultant, she has been self-employed since 2001.
Lisa's tenure at the Department of National Defence, spanning over 13 years, showcases her expertise as a Senior Corporate Analyst, contributing significantly to corporate management issues. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is further reflected in her involvement with various boards and her role as a LGBTQ2+ and Workplace Inclusion Certificate holder from Pride At Work Canada. Lisa's educational journey includes certificates in Leadership and Diversity, Fundraising, and Human Resources Management, along with a Bachelor's Degree in Gerontology and Psychology. Lisa Beere's story is not just a professional journey; it's a narrative of triumph over adversity, an inspiration to aspiring leaders, and a call to action for a more inclusive and equitable world.
Advice for Finding and Navigating Mentorship:
When seeking mentors, prioritize individuals who are knowledgeable, willing to mentor, and can dedicate time to your growth. Be proactive by arriving with prepared questions, clarifying your learning objectives, and seeking guidance on areas where your skill set may benefit from improvement. Gain insights into the mentor's preferred mentoring style and the role they envision.
(Children's book Lisa Wrote)
Reflecting on my recent challenge of re-entering the workforce post a head injury, I've identified success factors that can be beneficial for individuals in similar situations. Consider embracing flexible work hours and hybrid/remote work arrangements to minimize energy drain associated with commuting. Explore options to control office lighting and noise levels, such as using headphones or creating a comfortable workspace with an umbrella over your cubicle.
Optimize productivity by scheduling meetings during peak energy times, and adopt effective strategies like note-taking. Engage in reciprocal mentoring, where mutual learning and support flourish. Job design accommodations, such as job sharing, job shadowing, note-taking assistance, and recording meetings, can enhance your work experience.
Moreover, connect with a support group, either within the workplace or externally, to share experiences and garner additional assistance. Joining an employee resource group dedicated to representing the needs and perspectives of individuals with disabilities provides a platform to voice concerns and contribute to positive organizational change. Embrace these strategies to navigate your professional journey with resilience and inclusivity.
Social Media Handles:
LinkedIn: Lisa Beere
Instagram: @Ibeere98
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