Faces of WEST
Janelle Abela
CEO & Growth Strategist of Diverse Solutions Strategy Firm Inc.
“I am a strong believer in asking and trying. What’s the worst they can say? No. So, why not ask. What’s the worst that can happen? It doesn’t work. So, why not see if it does. I learn from asking and trying, which helps me grow for the future.”
- Tell us about yourself.
My name is Janelle Abela and I am the CEO of Diverse Solutions. I like to call myself a “Growth Strategist” because I look for ways that people can improve themselves, the way we can improve teams and our workplaces, and how we can grow as a community. I am an avid reader and “people watcher” because I think that this is the best way for me to learn about others and the world. I have a puppy named Zoey. I also enjoy going to the gym. The gym reminds me that consistency provides results over time, something that I forget when progress is intangible. I also enjoy cooking because it provides me a creative outlet to explore new things and learn from others. - What does WEST mean to you?
WEST means opportunity and support. These are two things that people can easily take for granted if they have it. For those who don’t have it, it can be hard to gain it, becoming a prominent barrier in their lives. Many people struggle with opportunity and support when they go through major transitions in their lives. So, to have people and space where this is provided, it gives hope and strength. - What motivated you to get involved with WEST?
As a woman of colour, I am aware of the challenges that women can face in entering the workforce. Having experienced harassment and discrimination myself, I know firsthand the effects on well-being. Being involved with WEST allows me to provide support for women who may be in situations like mine and to draw attention to these ongoing challenges for people who may be unaware (workplaces/employers). - In your opinion, what sets WEST apart in its approach to supporting women in the community?
Comprehensiveness and consistency. WEST is about making sure women are supported in various ways – they are like a family. It’s also not just about preparing the women. WEST makes an effort to prepare the community as well. This creates sustainable change and long-term growth for the women supported. WEST is also consistent with their support and always invested. This shows women that they matter and that they are worth the time. - What advice do you have for women striving to achieve their dreams?
Be your biggest fan. It can be challenging when you are trying to get buy-in from others, validation from others, and even support from others. This can be draining on your self-confidence and drive. Being your biggest fan means you believe in what you are doing and are celebrating yourself. It creates self-love and that is the fuel that keeps you going. - Is there any woman that has inspired you or continues to inspire you?
My mother and sister. They have taught me to persevere because we have to. Both have worked very hard to support their families and are continually striving to be better and do more. They are also both my biggest cheerleaders. Having strong women support strong women is more than inspiration, it feels like they have thrown me a rope to pull me up with them. - What empowers you?
Potential. I am a strong believer in asking and trying. What’s the worst they can say? No. So, why not ask. What’s the worst that can happen? It doesn’t work. So, why not see if it does. I learn from asking and trying, which helps me grow for the future. I am empowered by my freedom to think and do and the potential outcome of that. - How does your organization’s partnership with WEST help address issues of cultural diversity and intersectionality?
The work that my organization does is on the workplace/employer side of cultural diversity and intersectionality. I am able to utilize my own experiences as a tool for learning when building stronger workplace approaches. Also, having been on both sides of issues, I am able to navigate and support employers with low-risk, high-reward scenarios and discussions. In my work with WEST, I have leaned into support for the individual, which stems from my learning when working with employers. - Can you share an experience where understanding or embracing cultural diversity significantly impacted your work or personal life?
Understanding others has helped me realize that it’s not always about me. Doing things the way I have always done it or because I feel like it is the best way can be harmful to others. This supremacy can hinder growth and opportunity for everyone. Being a business owner, I have a strong connection to the success or failure of my organization. This has caused me to train/manage staff in a way that may be more like micromanaging or babysitting. After acknowledging the value of the people I brought on (I bring them on for a reason, right!), I am able to support them as a part of my company rather than a duplication of me. Embracing their differences exposes me to new insights and allows me to reframe my approaches to life and work.
