Prioritizing Mental Wellbeing
In the social justice and community development labor sector, mental wellness is a major concern. While social justice and human rights activists’ lives are marked by constant and extensive emotional labor - something resulting from the close connection of the work with social oppression - the importance of mental wellness in Social Justice and Human Rights settings is often overlooked.
We at LISC LA strive to highlight mental wellness within the community development field, and to do so, we provide resources to the community and our employees who are on the frontlines of a wide variety of community economic development projects that allow us to build resilient and inclusive communities.
As part of our effort to better support the wellness of LISC colleagues, LISC created a Neurodiversity and Mental Health Affinity Group. Our very own LISC LA Assistant Program Officer Celina Pacana stepped up to champion this initiative to create a more inclusive workplace.
“Neurodiversity pertains to all the variations in which people’s brains are wired, such as learning and thinking differences. The emphasis on diversity informs us that people living with conditions such as ADHD and autism are not less, simply different. Mental health disorders, on the other hand, certainly impact one’s thoughts and behaviors, and are sometimes associated with neurodiversity as well,” said Celina Pacana, LISC LA Assistant Program Officer.
Celina Pacana, LISC LA Assistant Program Officer on the far right with the LISC LA Team, a client and partner working on the BBET program supporting our local Black-owned businesses in the personal care industry.
“While drive fuels great work, it can also lead to burnout if we don't intentionally and consistently prioritize our mental wellbeing. We must create a nurturing work environment where employees feel valued, safe, and empowered despite the challenges they face.”
When asked about her personal experience with neurodivergence, Celina said this: “I’m a survivor of the many perils of mental illness, and dealt very intimately with neurodiversity issues. As someone living with bipolar disorder and ADHD, I know every day brings a unique struggle that I work very hard to navigate. One thing that serves as a light at the end of the tunnel is the idea that my perseverance amidst strife can inspire others to persevere as well, and so I fully take on the honor and responsibility of championing mental health and neurodiversity.”
Supporters like Torrey Pines Bank have made it possible for us to continue recruiting, engaging, and training a diverse, inclusive, and passionate staff. As we support our team internally, we continue to provide an array of support for the future community leaders of Los Angeles.
Celina reminds us: “While drive fuels great work, it can also lead to burnout if we don't intentionally and consistently prioritize our mental wellbeing. We must create a nurturing work environment where employees feel valued, safe, and empowered despite the challenges they face.”
