You Are Not Alone

I saw this quote some time ago and I have carried it in my spirit since then,

"It’s important to remember to clap for yourself even if no one else is clapping”.

Today I am giving myself an ovation, unapologetically - and you should applaud yourself too.

2021 was by far the most challenging year of my adulthood. However, I learned from it and stand stronger having overcome.

The greatest lesson in 2021 came from my mother - the strongest person I know. Her advice?

“Never settle. Be Shenneile, not what anyone else wants Shenneile to be.”

To everyone who went out of their way to belittle, bully and intimidate me: Thank you. To everyone who tried to undermine, underestimate and undervalue my intelligence: Thank you. These experiences validated some of my strengths - to remain positive, calm under pressure, and to flourish in the face of adversity.

Most importantly, thank you to all who have and continue to support me, motivate me, challenge me to be the best version of myself and to strive to reach my fullest potential. I am and will forever be grateful.

There is a long list of individuals I will be thanking, but specifically I want to thank Margaret Adekunle Founder of the first Black owned company in Canada with a branded secured credit card. Margaret, I thank and commend you for your leadership, resilience and tenacity. You’ve inspired me in great ways; and Michael Smith - mentor, coach, educator, ally and all-around supporter. I am blessed to have you both in my life.

In the past year, and as recently as the start of 2022, a variety of professionals, without ever having had prior conversation or experience working with me, have explicitly told me that what I have accomplished is simply not possible for "someone like me" (whatever that means).

I am proud of all I have accomplished and refuse to let anyone take them away from me.

Some of my highlights of 2021:

· Co-founded the fastest growing Enterprise Resource Group (ERG) for Black employees at a bank/crown corporation in Alberta.

· Planned, organized, and hosted over 800 employees during Black History Month educational and celebration events at a bank/crown corporation in Alberta.

· Recognized during International Womxn's day by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

· Acted as a mentor and connector for individuals, my teammates and entrepreneurs across Canada.

· Invited by the Calgary Board of Education to speak to a group of teachers during their Professional Development Day.

· Volunteered at and was given the opportunity to speak at a Resilient Women in Business Conference.

· One of two litigation committee leads in a successful lawsuit which resulted in an additional several thousand dollars in recurring annual revenue for a million-dollar corporation.

· Lead the fastest growing chapter in memberships and revenue for nonprofit organization Young Women in Business.

· Appointed as a community leader for Start Up Canada.

· Provided support and restructured financing for hundreds of entrepreneurs across the province of Alberta.

· Visited the beautiful continent of Africa for the first time.

· Prioritized practicing gratitude and spending time with family and friends.

Lastly, the biggest highlight for me is that I persevered despite all the odds.

None of the above would have been possible without my network, support system, colleagues and team. You are all MVPs.

I am not gloating.

This is for you - the hard working, talented, skilled and intelligent individual who is working tirelessly day in and day out only to be left doubting yourself, doubting your capabilities, doubting your potential simply because of the opinion of others.

You are not alone.

My advice: While it is important to ask for feedback, it is equally important to know when to ignore noise.

Own who you are.

You are worthy.

You are great.

You have exactly what it takes.

Keep walking in your truth. Keep on shining.

Society often penalizes us for being confident - show an ounce of confidence and you can quickly be mischaracterized.

You must clap for yourself even if no one else is clapping.

Today I challenge you to celebrate yourself, own and recognize your worth even if those around you do not see it. Life is too short not to!

It can be as simple as looking at yourself in the mirror and uttering the words,

“You are great!”

Putting on your favourite outfit! Making your favourite meal (or ordering in)!

Celebrate you!