Leadership Spotlight: Jenna

This month I have the honor of highlighting one of our longest-standing listeners, @Jenna!

You may know Jenna from their work as lead of the Peer Support program and in LSR. 

Message from the nominator: They are really good mentor and really know how to keep the LSR intact and running smoothly, This crm have master of knowledge that they help with any questions that come up. I just want to give an example where this crm went above and beyond. There were 2 listeners need cs and this listener offered to give cs to both. They really know how to handle things when it gets tough in the LSR but are willing to have laid-back chats when it’s time for that.

Some other shoutouts from the Admin Team who have all worked with Jenna over the years;

Jenna!! Congratulations on this great achievement. Well deserved for all your work. - EvelyneRose

Congratulations Jenna! Your hard work and dedication truly shows. Keep shining brightly! - Bookworm4

Thank you for your thoughtful leadership in the Peer Support program. Your dedication, expertise, and careful work continued to play a pivotal role in the PS team's success. I'm grateful to have had you at the helm.  Working with you has been a learning experience, and thank you for guiding us. Congratulations Jenna for this milestone! -Obs

Jenna, your presence in the community is a comforting light. Thank you for your guidance, kindness, and all the careful dedication you put into your work. - SoulfullyAButterfly

Jenna, your commitment to fostering a supportive community has not gone unnoticed! Congratulations on being chosen for the 7Cups Leadership Spotlight. Your empathy and guidance inspire us all. Here's to the positive impact you continue to make! - CheeryMango

Many things have changed over time but your presence in LSR remains unchanged. Thank you for providing support in LSR even after all these years and for all the work you have done as a leader on 7 Cups! - Hope

Jenna is a person with a huge heart. She cares deeply for the people she mentors and understands the importance of empathy and really seeing the world through another person's eyes. Jenna also has real grit, perseverance and determination. She shows courage and strength and is a reminder to all of us that with support we can all become more resilient and stronger. Indeed, she has helped many of us find strength in times of need. Jenna, thank you for you service to our community - Glen

🌮 Interview with Jenna!

What motivates you to be a volunteer? I'm motivated to volunteer by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to contribute positively to the community. Being able to make a difference, even in small ways, brings me a great sense of fulfillment. Additionally, I see volunteering as an opportunity to connect with others, learn new things, and grow personally and professionally. Ultimately, knowing that my efforts can have a meaningful impact on someone else's life is what drives me to volunteer.

Your proudest 7 Cups achievement.
1. That I managed to hang on for 10 years.

2. Helping someone through a difficult time and witnessing their growth and resilience. I had a long-term member a couple of years ago who has since moved on from the site. They went through some very hard things, and they were able to find their way to grow and become stronger from when we talked on day 1.

Which fellow 7 Cups leader(s) do you admire and why? There are so many I adore and admire. Too many to name without writing an essay. One person who stands out to me is @InternalAcceptance. We have known each other for years now, which feels like it's been forever. They understand me more than anyone on this site and know how to meet me at my logic. They have also been a dedicated leader to this site for years and I admire their guidance and support.

Which active listening skills help you when communicating with your teammates and fellow leaders? Empathy and open-mindedness. Open-mindedness comes with realizing we are a diverse community and each culture and person has a different perspective and way of how things are done. Empathy comes in with understanding the hard work and dedication it takes to be here, support others, and work on projects while managing real life.

If you had one piece of advice for our community (leaders/listeners/members/etc), what would it be? If I could offer one piece of advice for our community, it would be to prioritize empathy and understanding in all interactions. Whether you're a leader, listener, or member, approaching others with empathy fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Take the time to listen to others actively, seek to understand their perspectives, and respond with kindness and compassion. By cultivating empathy within our community, we can build stronger connections, resolve conflicts more effectively, and create a space where everyone feels heard and supported. Oh yeah, and don't forget that self-care in the famous words of @CommunityModIris!