Sherrian Garcia
Program Coordinator
I am a program coordinator at the YWCA Halifax for almost four years. I have the responsibility for the Experts by Experience Program, which is a unique service model that will be led by four passionate and dynamic newcomer women as peer leaders. They have been providing workshops and information sessions to other newcomer women. I have served in prior roles such as coordinator for one of the employment programs at YWCA called LAUNCH as well as the Newcomers Connect Program.
I migrated to Canada in May 2012 from Jamaica, after receiving a job offer in the Human Services Industry. I have a Bachelors of Art in History and Archaeology with a minor in Political Science as well as a Graduate Diploma in History Education from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica. I am finishing up my Master of Education in Lifelong Learning at the Mount Saint Vincent University as well as a Certificate in Curriculum Development from Canadian College of Educators. I plan to continue doing meaningful work with the immigrant population.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I started the Newcomers Connect Program in June 2017. This birthing process was challenging as I had to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there to connect with people and other service providers and I was relatively new in this industry. Though the program has ended and is awaiting new funding, it continues to receive acclaims from past participants, service providers, and the broader community.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
Newcomers add vibrancy to the mosaic of Canadian society. My hope is that Atlantic Canada will be ranked as one of the most multi-cultural regions in North America and that more job opportunities will be available. We should invest more in creating innovative ways to uncover and retain the talents we have among newcomers and Canadians which will then decrease out-migration.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
These past 7 plus years have been my greatest stage of growth. Moving away from family, friends and all things familiar was very difficult. During this time, I have learned to become vulnerable, self-sufficient and I was able to develop a level of resilience I did not know I had.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
During my greatest stages of growth, I have engaged in general inspirational readings sent to my inbox through website subscriptions. I am still trying to hop on the podcast train.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
My deepest learning this past year was the importance of setting boundaries. This is one of the few ways I exercise self-care.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
I have made some lifelong friendships that have anchored me here in Halifax. They have become part of my reservoir of support Collectively, they all have inspired me by imparting words of wisdom and guidance as I go this transformational journey of resettlement.
What would you have done differently?
I would have been more intentional in setting boundaries.
What are the principles you live by?
My faith in God is what guides me. I believe in treating people with respect, no matter who they are. Whatever you are called to do in this life, do it with grace and excellence
How have you recovered from fractured professional relationships? What uncomfortable truths have you learned about yourself in those experiences?
There are some relationships that have remained unbroken and there are some that have resolved with time. Over the years, I have realized that I need to keep my professional relationships separate from my social life. This is not to say that it is impossible to form lifelong friendships with someone you work with, because I have in the past. Of lately, my preference is that work friends remain as such. Sometimes when work friends become part of your social circle, the lines become blurry and the relationship can become dicey. This decision is conducive for my peace of mind and well-being and helps me to develop a healthy work-life balance.
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Educator, advocate, music lover, aspiring globe trotter