Jhaenelle's dreams and aspirations
![Jhaenelle De Souza, TSSA Executive Committee member](https://assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/81b3452f-5056-01c8-b2c8-1c901bd27e20/70c63c44-74db-4f24-be0e-35b3885ac7ce/Jhaenelle%20De%20Souza.png?auto=format&q=80&fit=crop&w=1872)
Not in my most ambitious of dreams did I dream I would become a TSSA Executive Committee member.
When the opportunity arose to join the EC, my first thoughts were all inwards; I have big boots to fill; I have so much to learn; I don’t like politics, and I don’t like public speaking. I knew it was going to be a mountainous task. The bigger picture and what my appointment meant came later.
As the world around us changes and becomes more inclusive so must the TSSA’s EC for its members.
I have started to look outwards. As the first black female TSSA EC member I can have an input into things I care about. I am passionate about driving change in society. This role has given me a strong voice to promote diversity and equality. Safety and well- being of railway staff are an absolute priority to me.
As the rail industry goes through a period of transformation, I am glad to be able to advocate for the prosperity of a great industry and the people that power it.
Moving forward now that I have achieved my mental health certification, I want to put my qualifications to good use. I am entirely aware that there are many people suffering with their mental health, whose voices are not seen or heard.
As a black woman I want to be an advocate for change. Many people suffer in silence, and a large percentage of people who suffer are my black brothers and sisters. I want to create a website that’s entirely different to those that are already out there, one that “pops” and makes people want to engage and be heard.
These are my dreams and what I feel passionate about for my future.