Devon Diamond: Lavinia Porfir

Our 24th Devon Diamond is Lavinia Porfir, who is doing great things with the Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council ...

Lavinia is from  Romania. She moved in the UK 9 years ago and, in her own words, she "loved Devon from the beginning".

Lavinia`s background is in public services and she has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration. She worked for eight years as a civil servant / advisor in a City Council in Romania. This experience enabled her to have a good understanding of the sensitive nature of human beings needs.  She has also a Master’s Degree in European Studies, one in Communications and Public Relations. Recently she obtained a qualification to provide advocacy under the Care Act 2014.

Lavinia currently works at Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council as a Community Engagement Worker and Advocate for ethnically diverse people. Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council work covers the Devon area and Lavinia`s role is to offer support to diverse communities within the county and to victims of crimes.  She continued to do this during the pandemic and to deal with challenging situations.

Lavinia always had a passion for social justice, strongly believing that everyone is entitled to the same rights and equal opportunities.

"Working for Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council offered me an unique chance to focus on my passion for equality and diversity and to ensure that the voices of our clients are being heard and listened to.

"I consider that working to tackle racism, discrimination, stereotypes and stigma will make our world a better place in the future. Unfortunately, the increase in hate crimes is concerning and my idea of an 'ideal world' is just a dream at the moment.

"Advocating for our service users in order to make sure that they are able to communicate their wishes, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain the services they need is a challenging and rewarding role. Part of my role is casework, offer support to victims of crimes, engaging with diverse communities and deliver training”.

Why I love Devon

 "Devon means a lot for me. I love the beautiful landscapes, cities, small towns and the picturesque countryside. The flora and fauna are amazing. I really enjoy the mix of old historical buildings with the innovative ones. I am passionate to visit places in Devon where the history has been written or where some of the most famous authors have lived. For me it is wonderful that there is always more to discover in Devon and this enriches me as human being. What I love the most about Devon? Definitely – the people living here and their positive energy."

Lavinia's unwavering commitment to supporting racial equality in Devon makes her a fantastic Devon Diamond! 

NOMINATE YOUR DEVON DIAMONDS

Each week during our 60th anniversary year (until March 2022) we will be sharing a story, profile or memory from one or more of our 'Devon Diamonds'. Devon Communities Together's Devon Diamonds are people who have played a part in our story since 1961. They could be ex (or current!) employees or trustees, people who have achieved amazing things in their own communities, representatives from partner organisations we've worked with over the years, village hall committee members, Councillors, and more ... the list is endless! 

We plan to create 60 Devon Diamonds throughout the year! If you know of somebody who would make a great Devon Diamond profile, please get in touch by calling 01392 248919 or emailing info@devoncommunities.org.uk.