Beyond Allergies - Executive Ready

Hi Beautiful People,

Last year at 11pm on Sunday the 31st of March 2019, I took a risk, followed by a quick prayer...

Then I started the process to apply for Excutive Ready program, run by Women in Leadership Australia . My name is Lisa and I heard about this program via the Australian Counselling Association.

I briefly discussed opportunity with my husband Cos, then went on with my normal routine.


Things suddenly got serious, and exciting two weeks later, when phone calls, and emails about my
application arrived - all requesting more information. On the 6th of May 2019 my children TJ and
Ammy, hubby Cosi and I were delighted by the news that I was accepted into the Excutive Ready program,and the lucky recipient of a $4000.00 scholarship towards the total cost of the program.  

The "Executive Ready" program with Women in Leadership Australia attracted me because it's designed for a women like me. Women who have families, organise events, support others, live with an invisible illness,  volunteer, have  been or currently borad members.The program  supports participants to develop review personal abilities,  ignite passions and redefine career and life goals.  As participants learn these skills during the 7th month course they also gain the abilities to enhance their abilities in leadership, develop executive responsibilities and mindset for borad level roles. 


For years I was house bound, because I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). MCS means I
live my life allergic to the 21st century, its also an invisible and life threatening illness.  During those house bound years I had to modify my lifestyle a lot. According to my allergy specialist, my management plan is as good as it will get.  All the hard work from volunteering at my children's school, diet and sleep patten changes, learning how to avoid both the places or items I'm allergic to,  being the BBQ lady at my families life saving club, and donating my time, knowledge and skills to State Schools Releif, has paid off. 

During the journey to raise above adversity and many life style modifications I have been other people’s shoulder to cry on, attended borad meetings and help plan and run conferences, been a listing ear, taxi service, run an open kitchen with a cuppa’s always on offer.  Baby-sat lots of little people. Little people who are now teenagers, that watch movies, sleep over, and often  raid my kitchen for chocolate chip cookies, while copying the example my husband’s mates set. Mates who also hunt for yummy treats. Helped friends moving house, going through life trauma, illness or event.  I always have an open house for loved ones after 1pm on Christmas Day.  Added to this craziness, I sew costumes for my children's school productions and for the remaining 6 months of 2019 I also studied hard during the "Excutive Ready" Program. 

When I opened this “Go Fund Me” account to assist me in raising the tuition for this couse over 7 months ago, I had no idea where it would lead, or what I would achieve.  All Cos and I knew at the time was that after the $4000.00 scholarship we still had to find another $7000.00 tuition fees.

So far every dollar I have raised or has been worth the effort. Embracing the challenge of the “Excutive Ready Program” has been an amazing experience, one I highly recommend. Currently I have received $170.00 in donations via the “Go Fund Me” payment system. However personally I have received, saved and paid off $3500.00 of my tuition which is a total of $3670.00.

Everyones contribution has helped pay for the following:
*  Face to Face Workshops
*  Capability Assessment’s
*  Webinars - and other interactive online workshops
*  Peer Coaching
*  The units involved in the Executive Ready program, can lead to a
    Master’s Degree in Leadership at Monash Uni (which I can choose to do) and are
    part of the Australian Qualification Framework
*  Travel costs
*  Books Stationary

I am incredibly thankful and humbled by everyones kindness.

This upgrade to my professional skill set means I am prepared and ready to move into my new professional  challenges.  I am currently in the process of opening my private practice "eCounselling Australia" which will offer online counselling and life coaching.

Sadly Australia is in the middle of the worst bush fire season in history and counsellors are going to be needed. Our current society needs more women willing to rise up as strong leaders. Leaders who are compassionate yet firm, with a desire to motivate others, while caring for the wellbeing of others, our environment,
plants and animals.

With this firm belief I have contacted the Australian Counselling Association and have agreed to offer my services to bush fire victims pro-bono. I am currently waiting for more information of when, where ect.  Thankfully have only nine days before the “Excutive Ready” program officially ends, and I have another three months before the four thousand word essay is due to be considered for the Masters Degree in Leadership at Monash Uni is due, as time management may be a challenge around the pro-bono work.

I am hopeful that over the next 6 months I can raise or save the final $3330.00. Once again I find my self asking for everyones support and or contribution to help me pay off my tuition. Every contribution towards my tuition’s fee’s will cover the costs listed above. Every dollar Cos and I do not have to pay will also allow us to:
* Pay the deposit for TJ’s orthodontic’s
* Invest in the start up costs for my private practice eCounselling Australia
* Plan for both TJ and Ammy’s VCE, VCal or Vet programs
* It means I can pay off my fee’s and offer pro-bono counselling services


Your support can be:
* anonymous if you choose
* or you can tell me about your contribution
* you can contact me and ask how to give me a contribution in person
* supporting me or my family with your own professional skills and services would be a great help. E.G. A few months a go a dear friend lent me some professional clothing. Clothing which I have worn to different events and ment that during this time I have not had to worry about buying professional wear
* I can also swap skill sets where needed

Please ask any questions about this program that you may have. Or follow whats been happening in my “Beyond Allergies - Excutive Ready” Journey group on Facebook.

Once my tuition is paid off in full I plan to pay forward all my “Thank You’s” by:
* Donating anonymously to other peoples Go Fund Me campaigns
* By sporting other women to become leaders
* Continue my volunteering by sewing for the kids school, at life saving, or on another board ect
* Maintaining the safe have that is mine and Cos’s home. Where friends or family can feel safe, and enjoy either a meal or the cuppa on offer alway meal or cuppa on offer

Thank You for both believing in me, and reading about my “Beyond Allergies - Excutive Ready” Go Fund Me campaign.

Blessings 

Lisa Amalfi-Chiera