How the Civil Service College Impacted a Journey
A Heart for Human Resources
Yanique Mitchell is a passionate professional who has proudly dedicated over 11 years to the Cayman Islands Civil Service. Currently acting as the Assistant Human Resources Manager, Yanique focuses on delivering high-quality operational and strategic human resource management services to support the Ministry of District Administration and Lands (MDAL).
"My key responsibilities revolve around achieving strategic goals and cultivating a positive and productive work environment. I feel called to work in this area and I am really proud of what I have been able to accomplish so far," Yanique emphasizes.
Daily Mantra: "Pressure Alone Makes Diamonds"
Yanique's journey is deeply personal and driven by her daily mantra, "Presha alone mek diamond." This phrase embodies her belief in perseverance and the transformative power of hard work. Inspired by her 11-year-old son, Yanique channels her energy into creating a brighter future for him while navigating her own challenges. After the loss of her beloved father, who always encouraged her to "go get a piece of your pie," she remains committed to pursuing her ambitions and making him proud.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, she has kept pushing forward. She believes that the supportive management at MDAL has played a crucial role in her resilience, providing her with the chance to become a supportive manager in return. For this, she is entirely grateful.
Embracing Opportunities for Growth
In 2021, Yanique took a significant step in her career by enrolling in the Level 4 Diploma in Business and Professional Administration at the Civil Service College (CSC).
She recalls, "I recognized the importance of overcoming my fear of failure and took a leap of faith by enrolling in the program." This decision, stemming from her strong desire for growth and development, set her on a path of self-discovery and leadership.
"Even small steps could lead to significant progress," she adds. By committing to this journey, Yanique utilized valuable resources available to her as a civil servant at no cost.
That single decision changed everything. Not only did she successfully complete the program, but it also gave her the confidence to pursue the ILM Aspire program, to step into leadership roles, and to embrace new challenges. Today, when she mentors others, she shares that lesson: “Even if you’re scared, take the leap. You might just surprise yourself.”
After successfully completing ILM Aspire program, she is now advancing her expertise through the next level of leadership development programs offered by the CSC, the ILM 3.
The Importance of the Civil Service College
Yanique firmly believes that the CSC and its programs are vital for the future of the Civil Service. "These programs provide opportunities for individuals to invest in their personal and professional growth, yielding tangible results," she asserts. For those who question the value of academic self-investment, Yanique confidently states, "Education is a transformative tool. It enhances your ability to perform effectively and unlocks potential you may not have realized you possessed."
She endorses the Civil Service’s focus on creating space and time for civil servants to learn and grow. "When we invest in our people, we invest in the future of our community," she explains.
The Role of Mentorship
A pivotal moment in Yanique's career was obtaining her current acting role as Assistant Human Resources Manager. "This opportunity was made possible through my initiative and the invaluable mentorship and development I received at MDAL, particularly through structured learning experiences like those the Civil Service College offers," she explains.
Yanique credits her line manager Heidi Wallace as a pivotal influence in her professional development. “Ms. Wallace has consistently encouraged me to embrace challenges, take calculated risks, and extract lessons from every experience, often reminding me to ‘fail forward,’” she shares. Under her leadership, Yanique was able to navigate mistakes within a framework of support and constructive feedback. This environment fostered both accountability and professional growth, allowing her to develop resilience, sharpen her problem-solving abilities, and refine her leadership acumen.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As a former educator, Yanique remains actively involved with children, hoping to inspire a new generation of civil servants and ambitious Caymanians. She believes that the level of exposure to learning opportunities and consideration of talent within the Civil Service is unparalleled.
“With this opportunity to share my story, I hope to inspire others to embrace opportunities for growth within the Civil Service. Investing in ourselves is the most important step we can take for our careers and our communities,” she says.
Yanique’s journey is a powerful reminder of the potential within the Civil Service and the impact of self-investment and mentorship. Her story encourages us all to strive for growth and to support one another in our professional journeys.
